Classic car enthusiasts urged to put a stop to scrappage scheme

Britain’s classic car population is under threat – that’s the view of the Classic Motor Show - and the organisers are urging all classic car enthusiasts to use this year’s show as a chance to come together to find a way to stop classic cars becoming victims of the Scrappage Scheme.

The Classic Motor Show, which takes place this weekend at Birmingham’s NEC (13-15 Nov), showcases the UK’s multi-million pound classic car movement. Cars and owners’ clubs, along with parts suppliers, restorers, magazines and dealers make up a high-earning business supporting the hobby, but all aspects of the scene are concerned by a government-supported programme that could see many classics prematurely coming to the end of the road.

Earlier this year the Scrappage Incentive Scheme was introduced in a bid to reduce greenhouse gases and stimulate new car sales, but in the process many classics are being part-exchanged and scrapped. Once a car is signed over to a dealer under the scheme, its future lies in the scrapyard, with no chance of a reprieve.

Show manager Andy Rouse explains: “While the scrappage scheme might be an effective way of stimulating new car sales it’s likely that some cars finding their way into the scheme might actually be worth more than the scrappage value offered – and not just in monetary value. It’s definitely worth anyone who’s considering using the scheme to take a close look at prices on classic car related websites first. 

When you look at the real environmental issue (that the scheme is ‘sold’ on), the truth is that most classic cars get driven no more than a few times a year, are absolutely cherished by their owners and kept in tip-top condition. Despite what the Government might intimate, Classic Cars today are not the cause of global warming!

My suggestion would be, to anyone thinking of ‘chopping in’ an old family owned car from the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s; first have a look for the true value, see if there is a club for the marque/model, see if anyone in the club will give you the scrappage value (or more) for it. There are lots of websites and magazines where you can advertise Classics for Sale and often they don’t charge a penny to do so. I’d almost guarantee that there is someone out there who, whatever the car is, would love to own it and would really look after it.”

For more information, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit necclassicmotorshow.com.