Brexit and the classic car: everything you need to know

By Classic & Sports Car Editorial team

| 30 Jan 2020

Classic & Sports Car – What does Brexit mean for classic car enthusiasts?

It’s finally happening: the UK is leaving Europe at 11pm on Friday 31 January 2020.

So what happens next?

Good question. Particularly because while there is, at present, a deal in place with the EU, it (currently) only lasts for the transition period, which expires on 31 December 2020. Therefore, what applies from 1 February 2020 may not from 1 January 2021.

But because no one can predict the future, here’s our guide to what classic car owners need to know from 1 February 2020. We’ll update it as the situation develops.

Will classic cars from the UK still be able to drive in Europe?

It’s good news on this front – for the transition period, at least.

Until the end of 2020, almost everything stays the same, meaning UK driving licences (and pet passports), so long as they are valid, will continue to be accepted during the transition phase in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries. That’s all EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein.

And there’s more good news, because British travellers won’t need a visa to travel to the EU during the transition period either.

Plus, your UK car insurance will continue to be valid if you’re visiting the EEA during the transition period, and the use of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) between 31 January and 31 December, 2020 will remain unaffected.

You must display a GB sticker on your car, even if you have a numberplate with the Euro symbol and Great Britain national identifier (although you’re less likely to have one of these on your classic). However, you don’t need to display a GB sticker to drive in Ireland.

One more thing: you need to carry your classic’s V5C logbook with you.

There is talk of the need for international driving permits and green cards, but whether these – and/or anything else – will be required after the transition period is not yet known.

Auctions, and buying and selling cars and parts

There’s more good news here too, because as it stands it’s business as usual.

Yes, for the duration of the transition period, UK-EU trade will continue and no extra charges or checks will be introduced.

So if you’re looking to buy a car or parts for you classic from Europe, or are selling to someone within the EU, nothing changes until at least 1 January 2021.

What happens after that is anyone’s guess.

What the experts say

Brexit has caused a lot of uncertainty and will continue to do so until the finer points of legislation have been established.

Indeed, this uncertainty contributed to fewer overseas entrants to 2019’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which took place immediately after the mooted ‘Brexit Day’ of 31 October 2019.

Here’s what key figures from the classic car industry have told us about what lies ahead for our community, post-Brexit.

“As long as the EU and the UK negotiate the conditions for Brexit, we don’t expect any significant consequences. Once the conditions are decided, exchange between the UK and the EU countries may become more complicated, because of new customs and import rules. But we are confident that FIVA’s ANF in the UK, FBHVC, will be on top of this, and will surely prevent or limit the adverse effects of the new situation.”

FIVA (Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens)

“It’s good news to have an exit date and we need to embrace the opportunity for the future. There’s bound to be continuing uncertainty until there is clarity about the rules for driving outside the UK and relating to the import and export of vehicles. I shall be at Rétromobile next week and it will be interesting to engage our European partners particularly and take soundbites from key influencers. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs will continue to monitor announcements by the government and represent the best interests of historic vehicle owners.”

David Whale, Chairman, FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs)

“We don’t anticipate any impact to the Silverstone Classic as a result of Brexit. With the event taking place six months after the UK’s departure from the EU, the process for movement of race vehicles by owners will be well established. In addition, we have seen nothing to indicate that ticket sales will be impacted in any way – early indications are of strong sales and interest from our overseas visitors is in line with expectations.”

Nick Wigley, CEO, Silverstone Classic

“We are feeling very positive about the market in general, given our recent success. As an auction house as long as we find high quality lots, which are hard to replicate or find anywhere else and are sensibly reserved, then we’ll continue to grow and prosper. Now we have some stability in our country’s plan moving forward, that can only help grow market confidence.”

Harry Whale, Silverstone Auctions Sales Manager

“We are an international business with a client base all over the world, so for the most part we will be looking to carry on as normal. Of course, we have made provisions to cope with the inevitable permanent changes that will come after the transition, but we’re focused on upholding the high standards of everything we do – from the expertise offered by our incredibly knowledgeable team of specialists, to bringing the finest collector cars to market at every auction we host. We are hopeful that the change could bring in as many new opportunities as it offers challenges.”

Maarten ten Holder, Head of Europe, RM Sotheby’s

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