As fears spread amongst petrolheads about the loss of petrol and diesel we look at why Classic Cars are so important in the UK…
There is no to ways about it, petrol and diesel will leave the new car market in the next decade or so. The realities of whether it will happen aside it’s an important move to reduce environmental impact but what is the impact on the petrol guzzling enthusiast? The reality is that a huge part of society loves their classic cars whether that be vintage Ford’s or American classic cars. Within this huge community that spans generations from young children to elderly folk there are numerous sub communities. All of which worship the ground these iconic and sometimes even not so loved beasts roll on.
In seriousness though, classic cars and indeed car clubs play a huge role in society and in the economy. The industry subsector is worth billions of pounds a year in both car sales, car imports, parts, servicing and repairs. It is also on social level incredibly important. Friendships are forged in car parks and showgrounds every year on the basis of shared interest in the brands and cars on display. In essence, the classic cars and car clubs represent community and indeed it is just that with plenty of advice and help when needed and that common ground not only extends to the cars but then spills into other parts of life too. Recently I was trying to explain to my son how that community works when he asked how I knew so many people who liked cars and was always stopping to talk to people I knew and that infectiousness seemed to take route with him as well.
Som what does the future hold for our classic cars and trucks? The environmental impact is important to consider and as a community we need to offset that wherever we can. Economically and socially its important to maintain the community and industry also and that carries huge weight in a changing world. However, we probably will see fuel costs increase in time to come and very possibly we will see an evolution in electric engine modification kits. For sure in the next 30-40 years we won’t see fuel eradicated entirely so not time to panic yet!
