From Austin to Volvo, we reveal our top 10 classics that will become MOT and tax exempt in 2023.

Our list includes renowned 80s icons, such as the BMW 3 Series E30, Ford Sierra and Porsche 944, as well as some super rare models such as the Renault 9 and Talbot Samba.

Once classic cars reach 40 years old, they no longer legally require an MOT test and they become exempt from Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED) under the historic vehicle tax exemption scheme.

From 1st April 2023, owners of vehicles built before 1st January 1983 can apply for the exemption.

Therefore, vehicles which first launched in the UK in 1982 will be joining the list of eligible vehicles this year.

Vehicles first registered in 1982 will have a registration number that ends in the suffix X or Y.

From most common to rarest, here is a list of the estimated number of these vehicles that remain in roadworthy condition.1

BMW 3 Series (E30) = 4,000

Ford Sierra = 2,500

Porsche 944 = 2,200

Volkswagen Polo (Mark 2) = 1,600

Reliant Rialto = 500

Volvo 760 = 150

Lotus Excel = 130

Renault 9 = 90

Austin Ambassador = 20

Talbot Samba = 20

 

If your car is eligible to be MOT exempt, you can complete a copy of the V112 form via the gov.uk website. 

You can then take this to a Post Office to declare MOT exemption, taking your V5C log book, vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) and last valid MOT certificate with you.

You can also apply to stop paying vehicle tax from 1st April 2024 if your vehicle was built before 1st January 1984.

Please note that you must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay.

Your vehicle won't be vehicle tax exempt if it is used for hire or reward, or is used commerically for a trade or business. 

 

Classic Cars Must Still Be in Roadworthy Condition, Even If They Are MOT Exempt

Although an annual MOT test is no longer needed on vehicles under the exemption, owners are still legally required to make sure their classic is in roadworthy condition.

You can be fined and receive penalty points for driving a vehicle with a safety-critical defect.

For example, an illegal tyre can result in a fine of up £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

In 2021, we conducted research which found that one-in-five classic cars which underwent a voluntary MOT test failed it.

We obtained data from the DVSA via a Freedom of Information request which showed more than 120,000 cars aged over 40 years old underwent a voluntary test between January 2019 and June 2021.

Our research also revealed the classic vehicle makes with the highest MOT failure rates, with Dodge, Austin-Morris (BMC), Volkswagen and Land Rover respectively ranked as the worst performers.

Jessica Potts, Head of Marketing at BookMyGarage.com, said:

“The historic vehicle tax and MOT exemption helps make classic motoring more accessible by reducing costs for owners, and is logical given the majority of these vehicles only cover a small number of miles each year.

“However, it’s crucial owners make sure their vintage car is free from safety defects whenever it ventures onto public roads – whether that means home mechanics regularly inspecting their car themselves, or, for the less mechanically inclined, taking it to a garage for a health check or a voluntary MOT test.”

 

Book Your Classic Car's Maintenance Online to Keep it Running Smoothly

Owners can book an MOT for their classic car through our website and on average save 35% on the government-set maximum price of £54.852.

Alternatively, they can consider our free Winter Health Check from one of hundreds of participating garages across the UK.

“It’s great to see so many iconic classics join the list of exempt cars in 2023. I’m sure many people will have a nostalgic connection with at least one of the cars listed – whether it’s a car they owned themselves, one that belonged to a friend or family member, or simply a car that used to be a common sight on our roads back in the day,” added Potts.

 

A selection of classic cars and information about them.

 

BMW 3 Series E30 (second generation)

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 4,000

Replacing the first-generation E21 3 Series, the E30 went on sale in 1982 and has since earned a reputation for becoming one of the brand’s most defining cars.

It was available as a two-door coupe, a convertible, a four-door saloon and an estate, and was powered by a range of four- and six-cylinder petrol engines and a six-cylinder diesel.

It was also the first 3 Series to be sold as the high-performance M3 variant, though this super-desirable model didn’t enter production until 1986.

Strictly speaking, the E30 bends the rules by appearing on the list as it didn’t go on sale in the UK until 1983, so for now only owners of a very early imported car will benefit from the exemption.

 

Ford Sierra

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 2,500

Revealed to the world at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham, the Ford Sierra went on sale in October 1982.

As the replacement for the renowned Ford Cortina, the Sierra had a lot to live up to.

It was a tough sell at first, with many criticising the boxy but more aerodynamic design, but the reality was that it was significantly more modern than its predecessor and sales quickly gained momentum.

It was sold until 1993 when it was replaced by the Ford Mondeo.

 

Porsche 944

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 2,200

It may not share the stardom of its 911 sibling, but the 944 was undoubtably a thoroughbred Porsche.

It was an evolution of the successful but underpowered 924 and as such featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, later upgrade to 2.7-litres.

More powerful S, S2 and Turbo models were also introduced in later years, along with a cabriolet version.

 

Volkswagen Polo (Mark 2)

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 1,600

Though launched in 1981, the second-generation Polo didn’t arrive in the UK until the following year.

In true 1980s Volkswagen style, it outperformed competitors when it came to reliability, build quality, durability and refinement.

Initially, it was available as a rather square-shaped three-door estate which affectionately became known as the ‘breadvan’.

 

Reliant Rialto

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 500

Almost certainly the quirkiest car on this list, the three-wheeled Rialto was the replacement for the legendary Reliant Robin.

Upon its launch in 1982, there was a 12-month waiting list for the wedge-shaped fibreglass tricycle built in Staffordshire, and it remained in production for some 16 years thereafter.

 

Volvo 760

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 150

Think classic Volvo and you’ll probably think of big boxy estate and saloon cars, and arguably no model was squarer than the Volvo 700 series.

Launched in the UK in July 1982 as the luxurious 760 saloon, in later years it was joined by an estate variant and a more utilitarian 740 model.

Initially, the 760 was available with a 2.8-litre V6 petrol, with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol and a six-cylinder diesel joining the range later.

In true Volvo style, it had a reputation for safety and durability, with many going on to rack up galactic mileage.

 

Lotus Excel

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 130

Launched in October 1982, the Excel was developed at a time when Lotus was working with Toyota to help it develop its Supra which resulted in the Excel using many Toyota parts.

The Excel’s body was made from two vacuum injected resin halves joined together which was mounted onto a galvanised steel chassis.

With its 50:50 weight distribution, the Excel was renowned for its impressive handling.

 

Renault 9

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 90

The Renault 9 small family saloon was launched in the UK in March 1982 and immediately proved to be a success after being named European Car of the Year.

It was joined the year after by the Renault 11 which was identical underneath but used a hatchback body style.

A hot Renault 9 Turbo later joined the line-up producing 115 PS from its 1.4-litre engine.

 

Austin Ambassador

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 20

Serving as the replacement for the Austin Princess, the Ambassador launched in March 1982 but didn’t receive the warmest of receptions, with only 43,000 built and sales discontinued just two years later.

The result however is that this large family hatchback with its lacklustre powertrains is a rare sight on UK roads today, with only around 20 thought to still be in road legal condition.

 

Talbot Samba

Estimated number left in roadworthy condition1: 20

Although the Talbot name dates back to 1902, by the 70s it had been taken over by Peugeot which revived the brand name in 1978.

In late 1981, it launched the Samba – based on the Peugeot 104 city car – and the last car to wear the Talbot name.

A quirky but cute cabriolet version also launched in 1982 which was designed and built by Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.

 

Notes

1. Figures based on the number of each model recorded as “licensed”, taken from https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/ which uses data from the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Figures have been rounded to account for any inaccuracies.

2. In October 2022, motorists on average paid £35.52 for an MOT test booked through BookMyGarage.com