Master’s in Authenticity, Matching Numbers and Historical Dossier Engineering — Sources, FIVA ID Card, Expert Reports
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in authenticity, matching numbers and historical dossier engineering, structured in 12 modules covering originality criteria, matching numbers, forensic identification, primary sources, historical dossiers, the FIVA ID Card, authenticity appraisals, fraud cases, manufacturer certification and supporting technologies, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Authenticity, Matching Numbers and Historical Dossier Engineering — Sources, FIVA ID Card, Expert Reports — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$13,700 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply originality and authenticity criteria.
Verify matching numbers rigorously.
Carry out forensic analysis of identification marks.
Research primary archive sources.
Compile complete historical dossiers.
Manage FIVA ID Card applications.
Issue expert authenticity reports.
Who it's for
- Authenticity experts
- Historic vehicle assessors
- FIVA technical commissioners
- Automotive archive researchers
- Advisers on buying and selling classics
- Auction house consultants
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into collecting
What you'll work with
- FIVA Turin Charter (guidelines for the use and preservation of historic vehicles)
- FIVA Technical Code (technical identification of historic vehicles)
- ISO 3779 (vehicle identification number)
- ISO 3780 (world manufacturer identifier code)
- ISO 4030 (VIN location and attachment)
- Real Decreto 892/2013 (Spanish regulation on historic vehicles)
- Ley 1/2000 de Enjuiciamiento Civil (Spanish Civil Procedure Act, expert evidence)
- UNE 197001 (general criteria for expert reports)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Artec Studio
- Adobe Lightroom
- Microsoft Access
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Concepts of originality and authenticity1.2Integrity and historical continuity1.3The Turin Charter and its articles1.4Degrees of originality1.5Original, restored, rebuilt and replica vehicles1.6Matching numbers: meaning and limits1.7The value of authenticity1.8Ethics of the expert1.9Professional responsibility of the specialist1.10Case study: classifying three vehicles
2.1Chassis numbers and their location2.2Engine numbers2.3Gearbox and differential numbers2.4Body numbers2.5Component manufacturing dates2.6Factory records2.7Period replacements2.8Factory replacement engines2.9Interpreting discrepancies2.10Workshop: verifying matching numbers
3.1Stampings and their technique3.2Factory typefaces3.3Detecting re-stamping3.4Chemical etching to recover erased numbers3.5Riveted plates and their rivets3.6Paint and layers over numbers3.7Forensic photography techniques3.8Surface microscopy3.9Writing the forensic report3.10Laboratory: analysis of a stamping
4.1Factory archives4.2Production ledgers4.3Build sheets4.4Dealer records4.5Registration archives4.6Competition archives4.7Historical correspondence about the vehicle4.8Period photography4.9Accessing archives4.10Practical exercise: request to a factory archive
5.1Research methodology5.2Chain of ownership5.3History of use and competition5.4Intervention history5.5Comparison with period photographs5.6Testimonies from former owners5.7Handling contradictory documents5.8Structure of the dossier5.9Professional presentation of the dossier5.10Case study: dossier for a competition vehicle
6.1Purpose of the FIVA ID Card6.2Application process6.3Inspection by a technical commissioner6.4Classification by period6.5Information recorded on the card6.6Relationship with the national authority6.7Use at events6.8Validity and updating6.9Limitations of the FIVA ID Card6.10Workshop: preparing a FIVA application
7.1Commission and scope7.2Inspection methodology7.3Bodywork inspection7.4Mechanical inspection of components7.5Interior inspection7.6Materials analysis7.7Conclusions and degrees of certainty7.8Writing the expert report7.9Defending the report7.10Practical exercise: expert authenticity report
8.1Clones and replicas presented as originals8.2Vehicles rebuilt from remains8.3Fabricated competition histories8.4Forged documentation and how to detect it8.5Well-known court cases8.6Warning signs8.7Prevention in sales and purchases8.8Resulting legal liability8.9Recording lessons learned8.10Case study: analysis of a court case
9.1Manufacturer certification programmes9.2The Ferrari Classiche programme9.3The Porsche Classic programme9.4Heritage certificates9.5Marque club registers9.6Authenticity committees9.7Differences in criteria9.8Market value9.9Certification process9.10Workshop: comparison of certification programmes
10.1Register databases10.2Comparative 3D scanning10.3XRF materials analysis10.4Dating of components10.5Blockchain for traceability10.6Photogrammetry applied to bodywork10.7Artificial intelligence in recognition10.8Digital register archives10.9Risks of digital technologies10.10Laboratory: 3D comparison of a body
11.1Training and accreditation11.2Independence of the expert11.3Conflicts of interest11.4Liability insurance11.5Fees and terms of engagement11.6Relationship with auction houses11.7Relationship with insurers11.8Professional ethics of the expert11.9Network of experts11.10Practical exercise: code of ethics for an authenticity expert
12.1Selecting the vehicle12.2Primary source research12.3Verification of matching numbers12.4Forensic analysis of identifications12.5Compiling the historical dossier12.6Certification application12.7Authenticity conclusions12.8Discussion of results12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Adobe Photoshop, Artec Studio, Adobe Lightroom and Microsoft Access, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for matching numbers verification, forensic analysis of stampings and FIVA ID Card inspections. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: FIVA Turin Charter, FIVA Technical Code, ISO 3779, ISO 3780, ISO 4030, Real Decreto 892/2013, Ley 1/2000 de Enjuiciamiento Civil, UNE 197001.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Adobe Photoshop, Artec Studio, Adobe Lightroom and Microsoft Access, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a suitable computer and internet connection, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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