80s cars back in vogue

Press release 21 November 2008

Boom in demand turns 'naff' 80s cars into modern classics

Several models of cars from the 80s once considered the embodiment of 'naff' in motoring are undergoing a revival among British drivers, with sales up 23 per cent [1] in the last twelve months.

Research amongst car dealers for Britannia Rescue has revealed a surge in the popularity of once unfashionable cars from the last three decades, such as the Ford Cortina, the Austin Maxi and the Robin Reliant. Over 3,000 second hand car dealerships reported a recent rise in demand for these iconic vehicles.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the launch of its roadside assistance service, Britannia Rescue has identified a list of the 25 most popular 'comeback classics' from the last quarter century, using an independent panel including 'Pulling Power' presenter Mike Brewer and motoring journalist Richard Dredge.

Car dealers say the 'nostalgia factor' has driven Brits to opt for these cars over more modern models, with six in ten citing the popularity of seventies and eighties fashion, music and TV shows such as Ashes to Ashes and Life on Mars as fuelling demand for cars from times gone by.

As a result, over 65,000 'naff-chic' classics are still up and running, as car owners dust off their bonnets and keep their old bangers road worthy.

Even some of Britain's biggest celebrities are turning their back on contemporary high-end cars for the lure of classic cars from a former era. Rock star Pete Doherty owns a number of older Jaguars, and champion boxer Ricky Hatton owns the infamous Trotters Independent Trading Robin Reliant van from the BBC Series 'Only Fools and Horses'.

The Britannia Rescue research has also revealed that one in three dealers believe these 'old faithfuls' are amongst the most reliable models on the road.

Andrew Beard, spokesman for Britannia Rescue, said:

"Older cars can be easier to maintain than some modern cars because they tend to be simpler under the bonnet and 25 years ago there was much less use of complex electronics which are par for the course in today's motors. You only need to go online to see how much enthusiasm exists for these cars and it's great to see that some of Britain's less well-known classics are finally getting recognition among the general driving public too.

"These cars are stylish and individual and they benefit from cheaper road tax so it's no surprise that these 'naff chic' classics are being brought out of the garage and are getting a second lease of life.

"As with any car, drivers should ensure they service their vehicle regularly and invest in breakdown cover to make sure they’re protected if they breakdown."

'Pulling Power Presenter' Mike Brewer adds:

"Britannia Rescue's research shows that 'naff chic' cars really are the new classics and I'd anticipate that as these cars get rarer, they'll become even more desirable and the price will rocket. My personal favourites include the Austin Allegro, of which there are now more on the roads than there were a year ago, and the BMW Isetta."

Notes

Research was undertaken between 8th – 17th October 2008 by PCP among 80 second hand car dealers. PCP is a full service market research agency and consultancy, based in York and founded in 1990. Their professional standards can be demonstrated by their membership of the British Market Research Association (BMRA) since its inception in 1998 until its merger in 2006 with the Market Research Society (MRS), the Managing Director's full membership of the MRS and their registration under the Data Protection Act. All work is conducted strictly in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct.

[1] Second hand car dealers reported a 23 per cent rise in demand for cars on the 'naff chic' list, according to the research.