Peter, there's not necessarily a hidden agenda (note - I'm not saying there isn't - this is government, after all), more likely a poorly-thought-through 'catch-all' piece of legislation which has unforeseen knock-on effects on other groups. As you say, a huge industry, pretty much unique to the UK, would be affected and the values of useable classics would plummet.peterc wrote:My normal approach is to assume a conspiracy theory that there is another agenda hidden in their proposals but I'm not sure they think that far ahead. Decisions are knee jerk reactions to the current needs to comply with EU law again. Unfortunately this does then set a precedent for future amendments that will push us all into a corner. The UK currently has a fair set of rules for classics and also keeps a big industry actively employed. Yes we chose what mileage we do and get insurance to cover it accordingly but if they push through small mileages then many classics will be confined to the garage.
Maybe they have spoken to classic car investors who never drive their cars.
Can we guess what provision they would provide for allowing you to drive you classic more. A suitably chunk of money for VED and as Roger suggested converting the car to meet today's emissions?
Peter C
A friend in France used to have the option: either 1) register as historic, and get a tax exemption but with a mileage limitation and a restriction on where it could be driven (I think only within the same département unless prior permission gained), or 2) register the same car under a normal taxation class, pay the full tax but have unlimited mileage. As far as I know both needed a test. I don't know if this is still the case in France - I believe they may have relaxed this somewhat. To me this seems eminently sensible and a good model to follow.
As far as converting to current requirements are concerned, good luck with your Rover! Completely impossible to get a carburetted Ford V8 through modern emissions. My friend in Germany with the Healey was, in effect, buying new cats each test as once in contact with unburnt fuel they are wrecked. I'm sure Karl could give more info on that, I may well have it all wrong - it must be 20 years ago and my memory is... what did I come on this forum for?