Research from a specialist classic and collector vehicle industry report shows that when compared to modern vehicles, classic cars are much less damaging to the environment. The average classic emits 563kg of CO₂ per year, yet an average passenger car has a 6.8-tonne carbon footprint immediately after production. Conducted by specialist insurance provider Footman James, the Indicator Report shows that two-thirds of classic car enthusiasts are already concerned about climate change, with over 50 percent open to further benefiting the environment with emissions offsetting schemes.

Statistics in the extensive report show that the average classic car – travelling a national UK yearly average of 1,200 miles – generates 563kg of CO₂ per year. In comparison, a typical modern car such as a Volkswagen Golf emits up to 6.8 tonnes of CO₂ before it even departs the factory. The in-depth research study also states that even though a modern car would, in fact, be more efficient and use less fuel if used on a daily basis, the environmental cost of manufacturing a new vehicle immediately negates this.

Additionally, the Indicator Report mentions that battery-electric vehicles have even more of an impact in terms of average carbon emissions footprint than a classic or modern internal combustion engine car. The fully electric Polestar 2, for example, is said to create 26 tonnes of CO₂ during its production process alone – an emissions figure that would take a typical classic car 46 years to match. This shows that despite the enticing prospect of zero-tailpipe emissions from an electric vehicle, classic cars are far less impactful on the environment long-term due to their infrequent use.

Further data in the report also helps to indicate how classic car owners and enthusiasts feel about their carbon footprint and the effect of driving on the environment in general.

Download the full report via the sign-up form here: www.footmanjames.co.uk/the-indicator-report