The Heritage Insurance Guide: What Is a Classic?
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The Heritage Insurance Guide: What is a classic? It might sound like a silly question but what is a classic car? To many people they’ll simply think of any old car but in reality, the answer is a lot more detailed than you might think and a surprising range of cars qualify for classic car insurance. Here’s Heritage’s guide to the deinitions of classic cars and insurance. The Classic Car Deinition and Insurance For insurance purposes, a classic car can be any cherished vehicle – there is no speciic age cut-off. If your annual mileage is less than 5000 and you don’t use your vehicle for commuting, then you may well be driving a classic car for our insurance purposes – whether it’s a 1945 Austin or a 1998 roadster. If you’re unsure as to whether Heritage Classic Car Insurance can offer cover for your vehicle, please do give us a call and we can chat about your options. How old is classic, and how old does a classic have to be A 1926 Bentley Sport Six before becoming an antique? What is an Antique Car? What is a Vintage car? Short answer: 1890-1939 Short answer: 1920-1930 In Britain, all cars made up to September 1939 (the start A vintage car is any vehicle manufactured following World of World War 2) are considered antique cars. The Antique War 1, from 1920 to 1930. In the 1920s the car industry category includes the Veteran Era (Or Brass Era, which was thriving, and for the irst time cars were becoming covers 1890 to 1919) The Brass era is so named for the relatively affordable transport. Cars that epitomise this era prominent brass ittings used during this time in parts such include the Ford Model A and Austin 7. as radiators and lights. In Britain, the Brass Era is also known as the Veteran Era (pre 1904) or Edwardian era (1905 Possibly the most iconic car of this era is the Bentley 4 onwards) and was followed by the Vintage era. ½ Litre, made from 1927 – 1931. A total of 720 were produced, including 55 supercharged vehicles known as the Bentley Blower, which set a speed record at Brooklands at 138mph in 1932. These cars rarely come up for sale and you’ll need around £5million in the bank when they do! What is a Classic Car? Short answer: there isn’t one! There is no ixed deinition of a classic car, however all cars built before January 1973 are exempt from paying the annual vehicle excise duty, and for taxation purposes are classed as a ‘historic vehicle’. These cars form the core of the classic car movement, think MGB, Triumph Spitire, Mini, or Rover P6 for example. HM Revenue and Customs deine a classic car for company taxation purposes as being over 15 years old and valued at An Austin Sidar Phaeton from circa 1911 over £15,000. Continued overleaf The Heritage Insurance Guide: What is a classic? 1965 Triumph Spitire What is a Retro Car? Short answer: 1982-1992 Retro cars are the next generation of classic, typically bought by younger enthusiasts who perhaps ind more established classics beyond their budget. Think the likes of Fiesta XR2i, Austin Montego or Peugeot 205. Cars from this period are disappearing faster than any other category and some are becoming incredibly rare. They still, however, change hands for relatively small sums – a great way to get something that little bit different without having to Peugeot 205 - A future Classic? spend big money. Outside of these parameters, whether a car is a classic car is down to you. A surprising range of cars qualify for classic car insurance – many cars that people would consider ‘modern’ have owners clubs and if you’d like to know more give us a call. call today on 0121 248 9229 www.heritagecarinsurance.co.uk Heritage Classic Car Insurance, part of Norton Insurance is authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Telephone calls may be monitored or recorded for your protection..