The Vintage Austin Register (V.A.R.) was founded in 1958 as the "Vintage Austin Twelve Four Register" by enthusiasts who were keen to record and preserve remaining examples of this well known and much loved car. Such was the survival rate of the Austin Motor Company's "Twelve" that the Register quickly grew and began to encompass other models in the Austin range, such as the Austin 20/4, 16/6 and the ubiquitous Austin 7.

It soon became apparent that the name of the Register would have to change - to reflect the inclusion of all other Austin models. In 1961 the Register was re-named "The Vintage Austin Register" In 1981 the Register became a limited liability company and was named The Vintage Austin Register Ltd.