Thinking about the future

[Underdrive]

A lot of people use an app on their phones anyway for accurate speed reference, so why not save a bit of wear and tear on the speedo cable and drive gear by disconnecting it? ;-)

[Triple-S]

Surely the REAL fear is that we slip into what they have to endure in some European countries now: the only time one can use a classic car is to attend proper classic car shows or to the garage for some pre-booked maintenance?

I heard that is the case on mainland Europe somewhere (Holland?), and as even my newest car (a 240) will be 30 in a few weeks time so falls into the category some countries employ, I'd be clobbered as its my daily runner.

P

[Underdrive]

The uncertainty is obviously the biggest worry but there is a difficulty in putting our case to the powers that be if that becomes necessary. As has already been said there is a significant classic car community in this country that future regulations may affect, but we should also point out that it is a small enough percentage of the vehicles used (and miles travelled) on our roads as to have an insignificant and virtually non-existent affect on overall pollution. If it is Holland with strict regulations I find that odd with a lot of spares and tuning parts for our cars coming from there, and a large number of Volvos with owners who are keen to modify them to perform very well! Not worth doing if you can only take it to a show.

[arcturus]

I heard that is the case on mainland Europe somewhere (Holland?), and as even my newest car (a 240) will be 30 in a few weeks time so falls into the category some countries employ, I'd be clobbered as its my daily runner.



An internet search found no evidence of this

[omc 47]

If you ever brave the door price, car park price and vast crowds at the NEC Classic Car Show then it quickly becomes apparent that this country has a huge cottage industry carved in our Motor Car Heretage so although I've thought about the subject many times including the fact that if the Classics were put out to grass we may lose our vehicle investment value for resale etc.
But then I'm reminded that this country has many business men and who knows probably Parliamentry figures who own classic cars.
It's a popular hobby and pastime to have a tangeable asset to go out in and bring a smile to your face.
As has already been said just drive em' and enjoy our motoring history.

[woodman]

In recent times our politicians seem remarkably good at making decisions that go directly against common sense, so I won't be trusting them...

As it happens I went to look at a 1966 Bond Equipe this evening (based on a Triumph Herald, for those who don't know). It was a fun little car, and in good condition (I'm considering buying it...) but I had the strange experience of thinking how primitive it seemed compared to my 1967 Amazon. The Swedes really did have this whole thing sussed so long ago, didn't they? It just made me want to keep running Magnus forever.....

[Derek UK]

Remember that the Amazon was being marketed against the Rover 2000 and Triumph 2000. That gives a better sense of perspective than the Herald.

[laptoprob]

More and more cities in Holland (and elsewhere) limit acces to inner cities to older petrol and diesel powered cars. Big exception made for all cars over 40 years of age. They can enter all Dutch cities.
So the problem doesn't apply to me, as long as these regulations remain as they are. However a large group of 'youngtimer' owners do have a problem. Paying extra high road tax for LPG cars. So, many cars are put away until they reach 40.

[woodman]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

Remember that the Amazon was being marketed against the Rover 2000 and Triumph 2000. That gives a better sense of perspective than the Herald.

Sure, though as a former Triumph 2000 owner (who'd still like another!) that's quite a bit bigger than the Amazon.

(I decided against the Bond Equipe, by the way!)

[Derek UK]

If you add the L, W, H, of the Mk1 2000 and the Amazon together, the Amazon is bigger...........