FRom the NZ Wheel Torque Magazine.

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KC. .. I must have missed this. ......

UK Classic Car Scene, David Raven

I’ve seen a large number of items recently, both in UK press and on You Tube
(including from some reputable companies), that suggest many of the
concessions for classic cars are ending in the UK. As many of our members will
have seen these as well, I’ve carried out some research.
Main Change: The DVLA has confirmed a major policy overhaul for how repaired,
restored and modified vehicles are registered. The new rules came into effect on
Tuesday August 26, 2025, in the wake of a long campaign spearheaded by the
Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA). The change basically codifies what
constitutes as “substantial change”
Vehicles that do not need an MoT (From DVLA website)
• the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago
• no ‘substantial changes’ have been made in the last 30 years.

Changes not considered “Substantial changes”
• Chassis: Chassis replacements of the same pattern as the original.
• Monocoque bodyshell: Replacements of the same pattern as the original
are not considered to be a substantial change (including any sub-frames).
• Axles and running gear: Alteration of the type or method of suspension or
steering is a “substantial change”.
• Engine: Alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and
alternative original equipment engines are not considered to be a
substantial change.
Acceptable changes
It does not count as a “substantial change” if:
• changes are made to preserve a vehicle because the original type parts are
no longer reasonably available
• they are changes of a type which can be demonstrated to have been made
when vehicles of the type were in production or within 10 years of the end
of production
• axles and running gear have been changed to improve efficiency, safety or
environmental performance
Feedback
Feedback looks positive as it now codifies changes, e.g. replacing a rotten chassis
with a new version, is now no longer a structural change. Same goes for replacing
sills etc on most classic cars.
UK Budget Classic Car Tax Exemption
The tax exemption for cars over 40 years old remains in place, but is “under
review” for the next few years.