How many classic cars over 40 years old are still on the UK's roads today
UK vehicle licensing reveals how many classic cars over 40 years old are still on the road today
How many classic cars have survived the test of time? Official figures now reveal that answer.
Almost 340,000 vehicles over 40 years of age are still owned by registered keepers, according to data held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - but not all of them are technically still on the road.
Of these, around one in eight are declared off the road by keepers.
UK vehicle licensing records (correct to 15 December 2023) show that 338,697 classic cars are still retained by motorists in Britain.
Of these, 12 per cent are not actually being driven on the road by their owners.
Many of these are likely projects, rebuilds or treasured vehicles that aren't being used by their keeper in a bid to retain - and inflate - their future value.
While there are various different definitions for what makes a 'classic' car, the term is best used to describe motors that exceed 40 years and therefore qualify for a number of 'historic vehicle' benefits.
Among these is exemption from annual vehicle test (MOT) & Road Tax.
However, unlike the annual vehicle test (MOT) exemption, avoiding paying road tax doesn't happen straight after your vehicle reaches its fourth decade.
Instead, you have to wait for the first day of April, and then as long as your car was registered 40 years before the first of January you can apply for road tax exemption from thereafter.
As for annual vehicle test’s (MOTs), the exemption is due to a general understanding that classic cars are retained by enthusiasts who either carry out maintenance on their vehicles or pay specialists to do so.
Given the affection they have for their cars and the upkeep required to ensure they remain drivable, the UK vehicle licensing believes this is enough to warrant not putting them through the annual road worthiness check-up.
Cars over 40 years are - importantly - also exempt from emission zone charges, such as London’s ULEZ, Birmingham's Clean Air Zone and the Scottish Low Emission Zone, which is already in place in Glasgow and due to begin charging drivers of older vehicles within weeks in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Among the classic’s that are still on the road today, UK vehicle licensing claims there are 28,311 MGBs, 10,393 Morris Minors, 5,575 Rolls Royces and 4,508 Triumph Stags.
It has been said: Amid the hustle and bustle of modern roads, nearly 300,000 vehicles considered classics are still running more than 40 years after they were first registered, each a testament to enduring craftsmanship and automotive history.
'From the timeless allure of MGBs to the nostalgic charm of Morris Minors and the regal presence of Rolls Royces, these classic cars evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration.
'They continue to capture the imagination and enrich our motoring landscape, preserving the legacy of bygone eras for generations to come.'
If you’re trying to keep your pride & joy on the road, whether it’s a classic or a modern day vehicle – go to www.ic24.uk to get the parts & accessories you require at competitive prices.