By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
The time when a car earns ‘classic’ status is often debated but for many it’s seen as when the vehicle hits 40.
At four decades old a car becomes MOT exempt and also free from road tax.
It seems easy to accept top makes like Aston Martin, Ferrari and Jaguar as expensive ‘classic cars’ but turning 40 this year are some less exotic models!
Among them are a bunch of, let say ‘mainstream’ motors. Cars such as the Austin Maestro, Fiat Uno, Ford Orion, Vauxhall Nova, Honda Civic (third generation) and the Renault 25.
Delve deeper into the ‘class of 1983’ and you also find some appreciating classics too!
The end of production of the Fiesta is bringing an immediate boost to second-hand prices for the country’s best selling car of all time. The average sold prices for a Ford Fiesta has gone up 14% in recent months and that includes the 40-year-old Mk2.
The first Land Rover Defender, know as the 110 in 1983, is another UK classic rising in value.
One of Peugeot’s biggest successes, the 205, is another sound investment from the early 80s with prices soaring for the fastest examples. It’s almost impossible to find a good condition GTI version for under £15,000.
With Volkswagen due to say ‘auf wiedersehen’ to the Golf (we are now on Mk8!) in petrol and diesel forms, the Mk2 is an attractive option for buyers priced out of the very early Golfs.
Another gem from 1983 is the punchy Honda-CRX which ran for eight years. A good condition low mileage example can be picked up for a little over £7,000.
It’s not a bad roll-call of motoring from the eighties and if you’re tempted by one of these ‘new’ classics you can also enjoy exemption from some clean air zone charges. Just think, you could drive around the capital’s ULEZ for free – for now anyway!