The results of the 2020 National Historic Vehicle Survey have been announced by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. The summary results were revealed during the Virtual Lancaster Classic Motor Show with Discovery, filmed at the NEC this month. 

It’s good news, with the future looking bright for the historic vehicle movement. 

More than 15,000 people responded to this year’s survey, a figure that corresponds to ownership of some 32,000 vehicles with all manner of different makes represented. The survey involves vehicles more than 30 years old and of all types – from cars and bikes to tractors and steam engines – and the results show that overall numbers have grown.

In 2016 there were just over one million historic vehicles in the UK, but four years later that number has grown to more than 1.5 million. The last survey also indicated that there were almost 500,000 owners in the UK, but in 2020 that number has risen to nearly 700,000. To put that into perspective, it means that around 1% of the UK population owns at least one historic vehicle. The survey also revealed that each vehicle is used sixteen times a year on average, and covers around 1200 miles per year.

Meanwhile, the FBHVC’s survey also underlines the importance of the historic vehicle movement to the UK economy. In 2016, the estimated expenditure was £5.5 billion but four years later that figure has risen by 31% to £7.2 billion. Furthermore, £946 million was spent in the UK from overseas. In what has been an extremely challenging year, this represents very good news indeed.

It isn’t just about money, though, with people playing a crucial role when it comes to historic vehicles. Some 3820 companies currently operate in the sector, with more than 34,000 jobs directly focused on the trades and skills associated with it, but securing its future prosperity is just as important.

This year’s survey reveals more good news, then, showing that not only does around 12% of those businesses already offer some form of training or apprenticeship, but that a further 39% of businesses are actively planning to offer them in the future. That’s extremely encouraging when it comes to young people entering the industry.

•    Number of historic vehicles on DVLA database has increased yet again to 1.5 million

•    The historic movement now worth over £7.2 billion to UK economy

•    4,000 businesses employing over 34,000 people

•    700,000 enthusiasts – up from 500,000 in 2016

•    Overall, historic vehicles account for less than 0.2% of the total miles driven in the UK

•    35% of owners either already or are willing to contribute to a carbon reduction scheme

•    56% of historic vehicles are on SORN