Classic cars: beginner's guide

Air chambers
It's essential that classic cars are maintained in as clean an environment as possible to extend their lives. Arguably the most efficient way of doing that is in a controlled environment system, specifically designed for classic cars. There are several systems available, all involving sealed plastic boxes that are continually recycled with fresh air.

Auctions
Auctions are a good way of buying classic cars at great prices, especially if you are an experienced owner. Experience is important because you can't always test-drive the classic car, you may have to rely on the condition statement given by the vendor, and there may be a limited time period after the auction to apply for a refund.

Auto jumbles
Auto jumbles and swap meets are great places to find old parts for classic cars, and to make contact with knowledgeable stallholders and owners. Free ads are often available beforehand, where you can list the classic car parts you need, or have to sell.

Cold start
When buying a classic car, always try to see the engine start from cold. Keep an ear out for any noises when the engine starts and look out for blue smoke, which could mean burning oil.

Concours
Competitions for classic cars in which enthusiasts attempt to present the most pristine-condition classic cars imaginable. The winners invariably look as though they have come direct from the original showroom.

Fun runs
The UK is awash with activities for owners of classic cars, some involving specific owners clubs, others simply requiring people who want to drive their classic cars with other enthusiasts. After car shows, the most common events are fun runs, with convoys of keen owners driving their classic cars in picturesque settings.

Leaded petrol
Since 1999, the UK has phased out sales of leaded petrol, on which most classic cars run. To run on unleaded, several options are available, including having new or reconditioned cylinder heads installed with hardened valve seats that are suitable for unleaded petrol. There are also unleaded petrol additives to simulate leaded fuel. Plus around 200 independent stations across the UK still sell leaded petrol for classic cars.

Owners' clubs
Owners of classic cars in the UK are well served by owners' clubs, which provide excellent resources of expertise and knowledge, plus a pool of classic cars for sale that have been very well looked after. Most owners clubs also provide access to specialist insurance schemes.

Zero rate road tax
A knock-on benefit of owning classic cars is that any built before 1 January 1973 is classed as a historic car and therefore qualifies for zero-rated road tax—which means you don't have to pay a bean. But classic car owners do, of course, still need to display the free tax disc to keep the DVLA and police happy.