News & events
More than 200,000 Brits have joined the classic-car movement since 2016 according to the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs’ latest survey, which was brought forward a year to avoid results being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ordinarily the questionnaire is released every five years, but comparing to 2019 would be a truer representation.
The FBHVC says the number of classic owners leapt from 500,000 to 700,000, a 40% increase. It also believes there are 1.5m historic vehicles registered with the DVLA, a big increase of nearly 50% from 1,039,950 to 1,538,927 – though 56% are currently listed as SORN. The Federation counts all vehicles produced more than 30 years ago.
Spending also rose markedly, to £7.2billion from £5.5bn, and more than 4000 companies combine to employ a little more than 34,000 in the UK – a similar number to the previous release, when the FBHVC stated there was scope for 10,000 more jobs in the next five to 10 years.
Climate impact is an important battleground for the FBHVC, but owners appear to be taking it upon themselves by contributing to or considering programmes that offset their carbon footprint. As many as 35% currently pay or would do so; the Federation says it is an area it is investigating.
Vehicle usage has remained static, with around 1200 miles a year put under the average classic’s wheels – compared to 1124 in 2016 – and the number of sub-£10,000 cars has dropped a couple of points to 51%. In the 2011 edition of the survey that number stood at 70%, suggesting a rise in values attributed to popular classics.
The FBHVC believes the survey paints an overall positive picture of the classic-car sector. “The significant value to the United Kingdom that the historic vehicle industry generates simply cannot be ignored by those in power,” added chairman David Whale. “These survey results give us the justification to ensure that our freedoms to enjoy our transport heritage continue unhindered.
“The sector will be instrumental in the recovery of our nation’s economy post-brexit and COVID19. The most heartwarming news was that there are more enthusiasts than ever who are immersing themselves in our community; that is really positive for the future.”
Read more from Whale on the research in his column on p20.