Is It Getting Harder To Own Classic Cars?

Spend any time at a classic car show, and it’s likely you’ll hear the same worries cropping up in conversation.

One owner is trying to find a replacement trim piece for a 1980s hot hatch. Another is explaining why their older roadster is exempt from ULEZ, while a newer classic nearby is not. Someone else is wondering what happens after 2035, when production of new petrol and diesel car sales are due to end.

A few years ago, the biggest concern for many enthusiasts was price; values were climbing, demand was high, and some usable classics started to feel out of reach.

Now, the challenge is no longer finding a classic car to buy; for many owners, it's keeping one on the road. This doesn’t mean classic car ownership is disappearing, but it does mean owners need to think more carefully about parts, servicing, emissions rules, and future fuel availability.  

Why is buying a classic car easier than it used to be?

Many classics are now more affordable than they were during the market highs of the early 2020s.

While rare models, low-mileage examples, and cars with particularly strong histories can still command significant prices, many more familiar classics have become more attainable. For buyers, that's good news. For existing owners, it reflects a market correction rather than a collapse.

At this point, though, it’s worth noting that not all classic cars are getting cheaper to buy. The reality is that classic car values are not all moving in the same direction. Some vehicles that experienced rapid price growth have become more affordable again, while others continue to hold their value due to rarity, condition, or enthusiast demand.

For anyone considering classic car ownership, today's market can offer opportunities that simply weren't available a few years ago. Besides, finding a classic car may be easier, but keeping it running once you've bought it is the new challenge.

Why is keeping a classic car on the road harder?

For many owners, maintaining a classic now takes more time, more planning, and more specialist knowledge. Routine service items are often straightforward enough, but model-specific parts can be a different story.

Trim pieces, switchgear, badges, seals, body panels, and electrical components are not always sitting on a shelf waiting to be ordered. Depending on the car, owners may need to rely on specialist suppliers, owners’ clubs, online forums or donor vehicles.

Then there is the knowledge needed to work on them.

Modern vehicles are built around diagnostics, software, sensors, and electronic safety systems. Older cars often need a different skill set entirely, from carburettors and distributor ignition to manual choke controls and simpler braking systems.

That knowledge still exists, but it is more specialist than it once was. For owners, that can mean a repair taking longer because the right person or the right part is harder to find.

Are modern classics the hardest cars to own?

Modern classics can be more complicated to run because they may be too young for historic exemptions but old enough to need specialist care.

This is one of the more surprising parts of classic car ownership. 

• For example, a car from the 1970s may qualify as a historic vehicle if it meets the right age and registration requirements. That can bring benefits such as Vehicle Excise Duty exemption and, in many cases, MOT exemption. Owners still have to keep the vehicle roadworthy, but the administrative burden can be lower.
• A car from the 1990s can be a trickier proposition. It may feel like a classic to an enthusiast, but it may not qualify for the same exemptions yet. At the same time, it may have ageing electronics, harder-to-source parts, and emissions performance that does not meet the standards required in some charging zones. 

Many modern classics also face an additional challenge that older historic vehicles don’t. Depending on their age and emission standards, they may still be affected by emission charging schemes in some areas. By contrast, older vehicles that qualify for Historic Vehicle status can benefit from exemptions that make them easier to use despite being significantly older. 

All of this leaves some modern classics caught between two worlds: too old to feel like a normal used car, but too young to receive the full benefits available to older historic vehicles.

What does the future look like for classic cars?

Classic cars are expected to remain on UK roads, but they may be used more selectively as fuel emissions rules and driving habits change.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the planned 2035 petrol and diesel changes mean existing classics become illegal. They won’t. The rules are focused on new vehicle sales. Existing petrol-powered cars are expected to remain legal to own and drive after 2035.

The more practical question is how easy they will be to use.

Classic cars & the era of emissions

By 2030, there will be more electric vehicles, more charging infrastructure and more pressure on local air quality. Petrol stations may gradually change as demand shifts. Some owners may plan longer journeys more carefully, while others may explore synthetic fuels or electric conversions.

Even so, classic cars are different from everyday commuter vehicles. Most only do low annual mileage and are used for shows, weekend drives, club meets, and occasional trips rather than daily motorway driving.

That matters. A cherished Mini, MGB, Triumph Stag, classic Land Rover, or early hot hatch is usually owned because someone wants to preserve it and get enjoyment from driving it. 

And that is why classic cars still have a future. They are not just transport; they are part of Britain’s motoring history.

How can you keep an older car in good condition?

Regular maintenance, routine inspections, and good record-keeping can help keep an older vehicle reliable, safe and enjoyable to drive.

Whether you drive a classic at weekends or rely on an older car every day, preventative maintenance makes a real difference.

• Tyres, batteries, brakes, lights, fluids, and suspension components all need regular attention, especially if a vehicle spends long periods parked up between drives. Cars that are only used occasionally can still develop issues, from flat batteries and perished tyres to sticking brakes and fluid leaks.
• It's also worth keeping service records, MOT certificates where applicable, and repair paperwork together. Not only can this help you stay on top of maintenance, but it can also be valuable if you decide to sell the vehicle in the future.
• Even if your classic car qualifies for MOT exemption, regular inspections remain important because the vehicle must still be roadworthy and safe to drive.

For help with tyres, batteries, brakes, servicing, and vehicle inspections, visit your local Kwik Fit centre. You can find more motoring advice, maintenance guides and industry updates on the Kwik Fit blog.