The romance of classic cars, those timeless icons of the road that have weathered decades, remains undiminished. Official statistics now pull back the curtain on their enduring legacy.
A staggering tally of nearly 340,000 vehicles, each boasting over four decades of history, still hold pride of place with their registered guardians, as disclosed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Yet, it’s fascinating to note that not every one of these vintage treasures actively graces our roads.
Diving deeper, it emerges that a notable fraction, approximately one in eight, are nestled away, having been declared off the road by their custodians.
This intriguing insight into the UK’s classic car landscape was brought to light by LeaseLoco, thanks to their probing Freedom of Information request. As of 15 December 2023, DLVA’s records reveal a vibrant tapestry of 338,697 classic automobiles cherished across Britain, with 12% of these beauties taking a rest from the asphalt.
Among these, 41,217 classic cars have been tenderly placed under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) by their owners, marking them as off-road gems. These vehicles often represent laborious projects, painstaking rebuilds, or simply cherished possessions held in reserve by enthusiasts eager to amplify their value over time.
The term ‘classic’ car is a nod to those venerable motors that have crossed the 40-year threshold, stepping into the realm of ‘historic vehicle’ status, complete with its own set of privileges. These include a liberation from the annual MOT rituals and exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty.
Curiously, the transition to tax exemption doesn’t occur the moment a vehicle celebrates its 40th birthday. Instead, it awaits the arrival of April’s first day, requiring the car to have been registered before the 1st of January, four decades prior, to qualify for this financial reprieve.
The rationale behind the MOT exemption lies in the understanding that classic car aficionados are likely to either personally tend to their vehicle’s maintenance needs or entrust them to specialist care. This deep-seated passion for their automotive companions, coupled with the rigorous attention they receive, convinces the DVLA of their roadworthiness without the need for an annual inspection.
Furthermore, vehicles over 40 years old enjoy immunity from the charges levied by emission zones, a boon in today’s environmentally conscious era. This includes freedom from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, and Scotland’s Low Emission Zones, safeguarding their legacy as they navigate through Glasgow and soon, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh.
In the heart of this exploration lies a celebration of classic cars, not just as modes of transport, but as cherished keepsakes of a bygone era, continuing to capture the imagination and admiration of enthusiasts and onlookers alike.
