The Government has launched a call for evidence to gather views on how classic cars can be preserved for future generations.
Through a government response form, the DVLA and Department for Transport are asking industry enthusiasts and experts to help identify areas of potential change in the classic world.
Motorists can help shape future policies on how to protect motorsport icons and adapt them to the modern era.
The call for tests will last eight weeks until July 4, 2024.
By responding to the government’s call for evidence, you could help preserve iconic cars like these four Aston Martin DB5s restored by Hilton & Moss.
Classic car policy has remained largely the same since the 1980s.
Currently, the registration process after restoration and updating does not take into account how historic vehicles are improved with modern technology.
But now the government wants to change this by inviting interested parties to propose ways to register and protect motorsport icons, such as James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, Inspector Morse’s Jaguar MkII and the DMC DeLorean from Back to the Future, and make them eligible. for the modern era. .
The call for testing will also help the government decide how to prioritize road safety and maintain accurate vehicle records.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times or evolving technologies, so we are calling on the industry and enthusiasts to have your say on how best to protect these British classics.” for the next decades.
Electrogenic turns classic cars, like this Jaguar E-Type, into 100% electric “by creating EV technology to extend the life of beautiful historic cars and make them fit for the modern world.” Electrogenic has a test and customer experience center at Bicester Heritage
The call for tests will help facilitate the registration of classic cars and ensure that restorations and modifications are duly taken into account.
Future modifications will properly consider how they improve the car’s performance, focusing especially on electric conversions of classic cars.
In recent years, the “retrofitting” of classic cars with electric powertrains has brought pleasure to many drivers, with specialist companies such as Electrogenic, Electric Classic Cars and Lunaz making headlines with their modern take on historic engines.
Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, believes it is an important step that “the government recognizes that the electrification of classic cars is part of the solution.”
“Carefully developed and comprehensive conversions like ours, which preserve the original structure of the car, make a classic car more reliable, better to drive and also allow it to run on clean energy.”
Goodwood Revival is a major attraction for motoring enthusiasts each year, with 150,000 visitors of all ages flocking to the historic Goodwood circuit to enjoy three days of period dress and historic motor racing.
Every September, the influx of Revival helps stimulate the local economy and preserve the classic car industry.
Ideas about how to future-proof the industry and support heritage jobs are encouraged, as the classic car industry currently employs 113,000 skilled people and is worth £18 billion a year.
Preserving historic motors will help boost tourism to iconic classic car shows, with Goodwood Revival being a leading government example of how classic car events can contribute to the economy and help local areas to prosper.
The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, described the government’s move as “providing a platform for people to give their view of the classic car industry and what it means to them.”
He added: “Everything we do at the Revival is focused on sustainability and the preservation of these machines and, as part of that, this September we will become the world’s first historic motorsports event to require the use of sustainable fuels in all races.’
Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire is a classic car center home to over 45 specialist companies. The Sunday Scramble is Bicester Heritage’s flagship event and each Scramble event attracts up to 10,000 visitors. The last Scramble of the year will take place in October
Sunday Scramble raises money for its charity partner Startermotor, which works to get the next generation of young people driving, maintaining and enjoying historic cars to preserve the industry.
As well as being important to the economy, the classic car industry showcases British excellence around the world: “It’s a sector where Britain really leads the world,” says Drummond.
“This is a hobby that means a lot to people across the country, so clarity about its future is absolutely necessary.”
To respond to the call for evidence, you can use the DVLA’s SNAP Survey Ltd tool, send an email or post your response. Full details on how to respond can be found in the DVLA website.
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