Top 10 classic cars that are about to be tax and MOT exempt

The Historical Vehicle Class offers a tax break for owners of vehicles that are more than 40 years old.

This year, owners of vehicles registered before 1977 will also be able to enjoy MOT exemption.

1. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II

Fresh bumper designers, a front spoiler and new rack and pinion steering modernised the best-selling Rolls-Royce in 1977.

The subtly improved second-generation Rolls-Royce ran until 1980 before being replaced by the Silver Spirit.

2. Volkswagen Derby

This three-box booted saloon version of the Polo was given the name Derby, and saw great success all over Europe.

The original Polo was always a favourite in Britain, and after only four years the hatchback survived while the Derby did not, making it a rare find.

3. Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Honest John calls this “Britain’s first genuine supercar of the late ’70s”, and with its dramatic bonnet bulge, blanked-off grille and updated V8 engine, this is a title well-earned.

4. Fiat 127 MkII

Fiat’s 127 supermini had a major update in 1977, featuring new styling, deeper rear-side windows and a 1049cc overhead-cam engine.

5. Ford Fiesta MkI

Ford’s original Fiesta was the brand’s first front-wheel drive production car and was introduced in Britain in 1977, after enjoying huge success worldwide.

It was replaced by the new-look MkII in 1983 and now the marque’s earliest examples are a rare sight.

6. Chrysler Sunbeam

The rear-wheel drive supermini features a cut-down Avenger platform, and offers 1.0- to 1.6-litre powerplants.

Production ceased in 1981, making the Sunbeam a special and unusual classic.

7. Ferrari 308 GTS

The targa-topped 308 GTS launched two years after the debut of the 308 GTB, with a similar Pininfarina styling and the same mid-mounted 2.9-litre V8 with four twin-choke Weber carburettor.

The GTS was replaced by the identical looking GTSi in 1980 – featuring fuel-injection.

8. BMW 7-Series

Codenamed “E23”, the 7-series is a sophisticated saloon that was produced for a whole decade and features some ultra-modern touches – at least they were in 1977.

These include on-board service interval indicators and a complex climate control system.

9. Porsche 928

Crowned European Car of the Year in 1977, the Porsche 928 broke with tradition and enjoyed flourishing sales for 18 years.

You’ll have to search long and hard to uncover a first-year model, but it’ll be worth the effort.

10. Skoda Estelle

The quirky Estelle with its swing-axle rear suspension was considered dangerous by experts when it launched in Britain in 1977.

New models have been improved, but the quirky first editions are still a special find.

* List compiled by Honest John

Footman James' Take On MOT Exemption

With the new changes taking place, we have had a few questions regarding our insurance policy when considering MoT exemption.

At Footman James, specialist vehicle and multi vehicle products are not covered if the vehicle is kept or used in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition, or without a current MOT certificate (if one is needed).

If your vehicle is MoT exempt, a MoT is not needed, so we are more than happy to look at cover for you.

However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is kept in a roadworthy condition, as this will void your insurance if otherwise.

If you are interested in finding out more about our classic vehicle insurance, why not check out our classic car and classic bike policies?

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If you found this content useful, you may be interested in:

• How To Declare Your Car or Motorcycle as a Vehicle of Historical Interest
• Seat Belt Laws and Classic Cars
• MOT exemption for modified classics
• Black and Silver Number Plates: The Law, Suppliers & Advice
• Regulations for driving old service/commercial vehicles
• Classic vehicle road tax explained
• Road Tax regulation changes – how this has impacted on Motor Traders