A Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has revealed the number of cars over the age of 40 in the UK.
At the end of 2023, a total of 338,697 classic cars had registered keepers – but 12 percent of these had a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in place.
As ‘historic vehicles’, these cars qualify for several exemptions, including the MOT test, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and the London ULEZ.
Many of the cars including in the data are popular classic cars, including the MGB (28,311), Morris Minor (10,393), Rolls-Royce (5,575) and Triumph Stag (4,508).
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, the company behind the FOI, 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.”
Source: MailOnline
Kevan Chippindall-Higgin
I suspect this number will rise as the full horrors of EVs really start to bite. Fire risk apart, unless you have off road parking, charging them is a nightmare and unless the ambient conditions are perfect, their range is compromised. Then there is the cost. Getting them fixed is also problematic given the paucity of technicians.
Hybrids make more sense, but they are still wildly complicated. When they work, they are great, but when they go wrong, prepare for some real pain.