Peter James Insurance supports a new national survey that has revealed record numbers of historic vehicles and rising public enthusiasm — but warns of an ageing ownership base and urgent need for future skills.
The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) has released its 2025 National Historic Vehicle Survey (NHVS) – the most comprehensive study ever conducted into the UK’s world-leading historic vehicle movement. Peter James Insurance is the insurance partner of the National Federation, and we administer both FBHVC Insurance and supply classic vehicle clubs with Public Liability and Product Liability Insurance through other brands within the parent company, Kingfisher.
The survey supports the Peter James Insurance view of continued positivity around the sector, with calls for more encouragement for new generations of enthusiasts in line with our ever-developing support for insuring young drivers through our club partnership schemes.
The findings reveal a thriving and valuable sector that continues to grow, contributing £7.3 billion to the UK economy each year, supporting tens of thousands of skilled jobs, and attracting record numbers of enthusiasts.
Yet while interest in Britain’s motoring heritage is booming, the survey also warns of an ageing owner base and a critical need to fund the training of the next generation of engineers and restorers to preserve the nation’s transport heritage.
David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC, said: “This report underlines just how vital the historic vehicle sector is to Britain’s economy, culture and communities. It’s worth a record 7.3 billion pounds a year, supports 34,500 skilled jobs, and unites millions of people through a shared love of our motoring heritage.”
“But we cannot take that success for granted. The average owner is now in their sixties, and we urgently need to inspire and train the next generation. Programmes like our new Youngtimer initiative and industry apprenticeships are key to ensuring these vehicles – and the skills to maintain them – survive for the future.”
A Living Part of Britain’s Heritage
Historic vehicles, from cars to lorries, buses and motorcycles, represent not only engineering excellence but also cultural and social history. The FBHVC survey highlights the sector’s accessibility: over a third of owners earn less than £35,000 a year, showing it remains an inclusive hobby across all backgrounds.
Despite the growing number of vehicles, their limited use means the sector’s environmental footprint remains tiny. Historic vehicles contribute only 0.2% of all UK road mileage, yet generate significant tourism, education and cultural value.
Key Headlines
- Record Growth in Historic Vehicles:
The number of historic vehicles registered with the DVLA has risen again to 1,934,178, just shy of the 2 million once forecast for 2025. - Economic powerhouse:
The historic vehicle sector now contributes £7.3 billion annually to the UK economy, with owners spending on average £4,567 per year maintaining and enjoying their vehicles. - Jobs and businesses:
The movement supports 2,700 specialist businesses, collectively employing 34,500 people across restoration, maintenance, parts supply, museums and events. Nearly half (45%) of those businesses now offer, or plan to offer, apprenticeship programmes to pass on vital heritage skills. - Growing enthusiasm nationwide:
The UK is home to an estimated 690,777 historic vehicle owners, and more than 22.7 million adults regard historic vehicles as a vital part of Britain’s heritage.
Over 9.7 million people say they would like to own one, and 4.3 million attended a historic vehicle event in the last year – a 100% increase since 2020. - Minimal road impact:
Despite their visibility, historic vehicles account for only 0.2% of all miles driven in the UK, with the average vehicle covering just 837 miles annually. - Demographics and Future Generations:
The average age of an owner has risen to 66, highlighting the importance of engaging younger enthusiasts. Encouragingly, the under-35s now show the most significant interest in historic vehicles, while the introduction of the ‘Youngtimer’ category (vehicles aged 20–30 years) offers an accessible entry point for new enthusiasts. - Skills and apprenticeships:
With over 11.9 million adults agreeing that apprenticeships focused on historic vehicle skills should be available to young people, the FBHVC calls for continued support to sustain these specialist trades for future generations. Businesses echo the call, with 45% already offering or planning training schemes to ensure vital historic skills are passed on.
About the Survey
The 2025 National Historic Vehicle Survey was commissioned by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and conducted by Turquoise Thinking Ltd between February and May 2025, with over 19,900 responses from owners, enthusiasts, businesses, clubs and members of the public. The FBHVC represents over 500 member clubs across all historic vehicle types and serves as the collective voice of the movement to the UK government and policymakers.
