How many classics are out there?

[johnalfanut]

Does anyone know how many classic vehicles are actually out there? I know people argue about what constitutes a classic, but 25 years old is a pretty good starting place, ins't it?

Looked on the web- can't find anything!

[naffa]

For the purposes of insuring a vehicle I've found that a classic is over 15 yrs old thats all.

It came as a surprise to me to find that my 1994 Audi Coupe qualifies as a classic.

[lowdrag]

Well, I guess there are many ways of classifying cars as a classic; the Bugatti Veyron for example - is it already a classic like the Mclaren F1? Just a question really. The DVLA still insist on the 1972 cut-off date for zero road tax but in Europe it is 25 years. I have an idea though that if you write to the DVLA asking how many cars over 25 years old are still on the road they are obliged to answer under the Freedom of Information Act. Hmm, would that include those on a SORN though? The more you think about the question, the more complicated it gets.

[Doofus]

In 2006, there were 540,000 vehicles over 25 years old owned by 235,000 members of owners clubs which were, in turn, part of the FBHVC; and 406,000 of those vehicles were roadworthy.

Read this

[johnalfanut]

Thanks- seems an amazing number compared with the number of owners. I suppose when you've been bitten by the bug, one is never enough!

[Doofus]

It does seem a lot, yes. It's an average of around two and a quarter cars each. I can certainly relate to that

[lowdrag]

Well, I know one person with 16 Jaguars and a few with at least five and I have three so that reduces the average a bit!

[RetroCosworth]

lowdrag said:

Well, I know one person with 16 Jaguars and a few with at least five and I have three so that reduces the average a bit!

Talking of Jaguars, I know a Specialist with about 20 Jaguars, not all his though.

[Engineer1]

Doofus said:

It does seem a lot, yes. It's an average of around two and a quarter cars each. I can certainly relate to that

Or one good car and one borderline donor vehicle. The 1972 was mearly a result of the rolling 25 year exemption getting stopped in drum roll please 1997 um wonder who did that.

[leginigel]

I have only one,who's got my other 1 and 1/4 cars?

[Doofus]

leginigel said:

I have only one,who's got my other 1 and 1/4 cars?

If you're not fussy that the parts don't actually make up one and a quarter actual cars, then I have...

[austin]

Doofus said:

leginigel said:

I have only one,who's got my other 1 and 1/4 cars?

If you're not fussy that the parts don't actually make up one and a quarter actual cars, then I have...

Exactly, what actual constitutes "a car" as such. My guess is the DVLA are saying a chassis (plate) and registration document.

If that's the case I know someone with 30 odd, only one of which is road legal and a further one actually works. The rest are either "resting" or piles of bits or just part of the spares supply.

[A911DOM]

Practical classics mag always publish figures on particular 'spot light' cars each month.

These are usually the rarer ones obviously where they can fairly accurately say that there are only 2 registered for the road.

Not sure that would be quite so easy for Midgets for example!?

DVLA probably could tell you, but probably wont.

[LS6wetdream]

i only have one too, but 2 are waiting 1974.....bring on the tories

[whirlybird]

Well, ive got 2, both Austin 7,s a Ruby saloon and and a trials special, and my mates got 3 Austins + a Healy 3000 and MG TC, so most classic owners have more than just the one!!!!!!!!!! ps weve also got our everyday cars too, s Im up to 5 and my mate 7.

[lowdrag]

austin said:

Exactly, what actual constitutes "a car" as such. My guess is the DVLA are saying a chassis (plate) and registration document.

If that's the case I know someone with 30 odd, only one of which is road legal and a further one actually works. The rest are either "resting" or piles of bits or just part of the spares supply.

I don't think that is right though. There is many a car which wasn't kept on the computer in 1983 but which can exist again if brought up to MOT standard. Take mt C-type for example; all I had was a chassis plate and log book but the DVLA had no knowledge of the car until it was MOTted and the papers sent off. I believe though the DVLA are thinking of tighteneing up the ways and means of constructing replicas nowadays. Sad if they do.