Classic cars owners detailed

Good personal taste and age are paramount to creating a classic car, according to classic motor enthusiasts.

Motoring writer Stuart Birch, comments in The Telegraph that now Spring is upon us , many classic car fans are dusting off their driving gloves, getting out their maps and awakening their sleeping beauties. The most popular time for enjoying the open road in a vintage car is March to October time, with many owners putting their cars into heated storage over the winter period, to keep them in tip top condition.

The Telegraph reports that there are over half a million classic cars in the UK, with around three-quarters of these in a roadworthy condition. So what of the other quarter? Birch comments that the owners of this quarter are the ones most likely to exclaim ''on a cold winter evening, with toes extended to a blazing log fire'' that they ''really should crack on with the restoration this year and show the world what a classic car should be.''

A recent survey by insurance specialists Footman James, reported that over 50 per cent of classic car owners, drove them less than 1,500 miles per year, with a further 30 per cent driving 3,000 miles per annum. Nevertheless, despite not driving the cars much, owners were unlikely to exclaim that ''I am going to sell my Porsche'', with the pleasure of ownership being in the maintaining and running of such a car, as well as the driving experience itself.

The survey also outlined worries that with new green legislation, owners feared increases in running costs. Chris Seaward of the MG Car Club agrees with the Footman Jones survey, commenting that most members covered around 3,000 to 4,000 miles per year.

Birch writes that the once perceived elitist activity of owning a classic car is simply not true, with 30 per cent of owners having an income of £20,000 or less. Such enthusiasts are likely to compete in non-competitive rallies, show days and club meet ups.

Whilst Birch states that classic cars aren't necessarily an investment, most keep a consistent price, unlikely to waiver with the recession. When it comes to the repairs of his beloved Porsche 911 Carrera however, ''it is best to draw the curtains and lie in the dark for a week'' he comments!

Joleen Costello, Leicester, Ford Ka

C.F. Millard, Bradford on Avon, Citroen C1