It might not seem like the most obvious time to add to your vintage car collection, but late autumn actually offers few great reasons to buy a classic car.
Keep in mind that the term ‘classic car’ doesn’t have a strict definition. Vehicles over 40 years old are typically exempt from vehicle tax, but some classic car clubs accept cars over 20 to 30 years old. ‘Vintage’ usually refers to much older models, generally built between 1919 and 1930.
Here are just a few reasons why late autumn is an ideal time to purchase a classic car, whether you’re expanding a collection or making a special purchase to cherish.
1. Registration dates
Under the current vehicle registration system, the main registration period each year occurs in March, when the numbers on new plates correspond to the year—for example, 18 for 2018, 19 for 2019, and so forth.
However, historically, autumn has been a much busier time for registrations. Even today, we see the ‘halfway’ plate numbers like 68, 69, and so on, released in September. Between August 1983 and August 2001, 18 of the 21 A–Y ‘prefix’ plates were first issued in August or September. Before that, suffix-style registrations from F (1967) to Y (1982) were all released in August of their respective years.
This makes the autumn months an important period for vehicles reaching key milestone ages to qualify as classic cars—whether that’s 20, 30, or 40 years, depending on the classification.
2. Non-runners
It’s frustrating when your car won’t start on a chilly autumn morning, but with a classic car, the repair costs to get it back on the road can be even higher.
That said, if you’re interested in buying a classic car to restore, this season offers a great buyer’s market. Many current owners are eager to sell their non-running vehicles rather than face expensive restoration or winter storage costs.
And you don’t have to get it running right away, just call Ontime’s classic car transport service, and we’ll safely and securely deliver it to your home or workshop, ready for you to begin your restoration project.
3. Plenty still to do
Don’t assume the classic car season ends once summer is over; that couldn’t be further from the truth.
There are still plenty of classic car rallies, exhibitions, and track days happening across the country before 2018 wraps up. One highlight is the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on November 4th, featuring some of the oldest cars still in operation. Entry is limited to pre-1905 models only.
If you can find a reliable classic at the right price, now is an excellent time to join this passionate community of car enthusiasts and add some excitement to the shorter, colder days as autumn turns to winter.
For all your classic car automotive needs, why not consult the experts at Bowers Automotive? Give us a call today at 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net.