FBHVC looks at the cost
Survey reveals a growing industry… but one with an ageing attitude
‘From the turn of the 20th century, we have been modifying cars’
On May 14, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs presented it’s 2019 National Cost of Ownership Survey at the Palace of Westminster. Part One, Attitudes and Behaviours, was based upon a survey of the general British population. It showed a growing national interest in historic vehicles, from 16 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent in 2018. The survey also showed that younger people are the most likely to want to own a classic car, but over 55s are the most likely to agree that historic vehicles are part of the country’s heritage and it’s important to maintain them.
When it came to attitudes towards historic vehicle originality, younger people were less likely to agree that historic vehicles should be maintained in as original condition as possible, but no questions were asked about regularity of use or classics in daily use.
Part Two of the survey looked at spending behaviour of classic
vehicle owners and showed that, on average, owners spent £5320 in the past 12 months on major restoration or repair work and £798 on fuel. Thirty-two per cent of historic vehicles were presented for voluntary MOT tests and the average insurance premium per annum was £384.
PC asked about how people who modify their classics for daily use might expect to be represented in the future, to which FBHVC chairman David Whale replied: ‘From the turn of the 20th century, we have been modifying our cars.
It’s part of our culture. But this is about heritage and culture.’ Bob Owen, FBHVC’S Legislation Director, added; ‘Don’t look at what we say, look at what we do. Look at the guidance for what is a vehicle of historic interest. The definition was all about defending modification – as David said, our culture is to change things.’
Questions were also asked about whether it would be possible to include more modern classics in any future survey, to which the Federation’s reply was constructive, indicating that this point would definitely be taken on board.