Eighties cars like Bobby Ewing’s Mercedes in Dallas are driving a new cost-cutting trend

From Duran Duran to Simple Minds, we are used to seeing 80s bands making a comeback - but now it’s the turn of cars. Remember the Mercedes-Benz SL, driven by Michael Brandon in hit detective show Dempsey & Makepeace, or the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL, driven by Patrick Duffy, as Bobby Ewing in Dallas? There was also the hot red Ferrari 328 DTS, or the red Mercedes SL driven by Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop and the Peugeot 205 Cabriolet driven by Christopher Lambert in Subway. Who could forget wheeler dealer Arthur Daley’s preference for a high end motor, like a Jaguar XJ6, in Minder? If you’ve ever hankered after any of these cars, it might be time to invest in one. Because, each April, more SLs – and plenty of other desirable models – are reclassified as ‘historic vehicles’. These ‘modern classics,’ if well maintained, have few of the drawbacks of ‘50s and ‘60s classic cars, which overheat, consume excess oil, or conk out. And it’s the government’s definition of historic vehicles that’s giving these cars a new lease of life. Any car that’s 40 years old automatically qualifies, with the rule rolling forward annually so that, from April next year, cars manufactured in 1987 are included. As historic vehicles, they are exempt from annual road tax payments, and no longer need an annual MoT - meaning huge savings. So, while a new Mercedes SL could cost from £110,000 to £200,000, a sharp 40-year-old version can be bought for £18,000. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds can be saved in road tax for historic cars with the largest, thirstiest engines, like Ferraris or Rolls-Royces. Simply apply to the DVSA for an exemption. Qualifying historic cars are also exempt from paying the Ultra-Lower Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge to enter London. The central area Congestion Zone charges still apply, but ULEZ savings can cut up to £3,250 from running costs. Graeme Hunt, a leading classic car specialist based in Battersea, south-west London, says people hate paying £12.50 a day to drive around the capital, adding: “It’s a heavy fiscal burden and an imposition. So this helps sustain interest in collectable 1980s cars.” Unlike classic cars from earlier decades, most good 80s motors were well-built, with high levels of rust-proofing and suspension designed to cope with high speeds and poor road surfaces. Power steering, automatic transmission, fuel-injection and excellent brakes were the norm, making them easy and safe to drive. Crucially, this was the last period in motoring history before complex electronics were introduced. Most on-board computers simply gave basic audio alerts or fuel economy calculations, so if they’ve stopped working then it’s not a problem for a proud yet vigilant owner. Graeme continues: “ECUs [electronic control units] are in all modern cars from the early 2000s. When they’re no longer viable, they need to be rebuilt at a cost of £1,200 each. But a 40-year old car usually doesn’t have any ECUs and, therefore, its electrics aren’t fallible in the same way.” The chunky style, feisty performance and bold image of cars on sale back in 1986 also drives demand for pristine survivors. Andrew Speer, founder of online sales platform www.ulezclassic.cu.uk, says: “They sit in that sweet spot where they’re old enough to feel special, modern enough to use, and not so valuable that you’d be scared to park them on the street. “I would shortlist the VW Golf GTI 16V, Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, Saab 900 convertible and BMW E30 325i convertible for 2027. They’re fun to drive and not too expensive. The other one I'm keeping an eye on is the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen. Currently there is one option made in 1987. I’d love to get one of those.” Classic car auctioneers are similarly enthusiastic about these cheap-to-run classics that some enthusiasts have nicknamed “youngtimers”. Matthew Priddy, Head of Auctions at specialist Historics, says: “The 1980s is where nostalgia meets common sense. Cars of this era have all the character of a true classic, but are modern enough to drive and enjoy without compromise. Historic vehicle status brings tax, ULEZ and MoT benefits, and so ownership becomes even more appealing. The Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 and BMW 3 Series E30 are particularly sought after, combining genuine collector appeal with the sort of practicality that means they can be enjoyed every day.” While MoTs are not mandatory, however, experts advise having one. Graeme Hunt says: “I recommend owners do have their annual MoT. because it keeps an eye on your car’s fuel lines, brakes lines, structural rigidity and so on. Any car can suffer from, for example, perished rubber. It might be difficult to spot, so an MoT is a good backup. It only costs £55 and we do it with all our cars as a matter of course.” Indeed, even MoT-exempt cars must still meet all MoT standards. There’s a fine of up to £2,500 for any car found not to. And older cars that have been modified beyond their original specification still require an MoT, for example, if the engine’s been souped-up. On that basis, the two Ferraris featured in iconic ‘80s TV series Miami Vice would face different rules if you wanted to drive them on UK roads today. The white Testarossa used in later episodes would be ok, but the black Daytona spider in earlier shows would need an MoT, because it’s actually a Daytona copy, based on an old Datsun 240Z. But, as long as a car is a 40-year old historic vehicle, it will also be eligible for classic car insurance, which usually lowers running expenditure even further. Mark Roper, managing director of leading insurer Hagerty UK, says: “We value a policy no differently if a vehicle has an exemption from an MoT. “All clients are asked to confirm roadworthiness when a policy is sought and we do ask for photographs of cars to confirm agreed values and can check condition at that time.” But the company is usually happy to take on modern classic cars. Mark adds: “We find the majority have an extremely fastidious attitude towards maintenance, exemption or not, and their cars are at a level where an MoT pass is guaranteed.“ Graeme Hunt is a massive fan of 1980s motors. He says: “These 1980s cars work as well as any other car on the road. People drive Bentley T2s or Jaguar XJ-Ss as everyday cars . I have a fabulous Mercedes 1983 280SL which has done 66,000 miles, has just three owners from new, factory power steering and air conditioning and tinted electric windows, ready to go at £38,500. That’s cheaper than a new Volkswagen Golf. Plus, of course, there’s no VAT to lose on day one like on a new car.” Cars due to reach historic status in 2027 include: - Citroen AX – charming French city car, soon to cost nothing to run. - Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 – the ultimate 1980s boy racer car with huge rear spoiler. - Isuzu Trooper – big and beefy off-roader, rarer than any Land Rover. - Lancia Delta HF 4WD – four-wheel drive high-performance hatchback that became a rallying icon. - Lotus Esprit MkII – the second-generation Esprit with softer ‘80s contours. - Mercedes-Benz 300CE – elegant four-seater coupé, perfect for windows-down cruising. - Porsche 959 – turbocharged, four-wheel drive German supercar. - Volvo 480ES – quirky hatchback with pop-up headlights. [Image text:] CAR PARK AT SAL REAR MYWO OISK EURO OND E413.HKV