Design911 Reports New Tax Exemption Status for Porsche 944 Owners
From April 2023, the Porsche 944 is categorised as a classic car, having reached 40 years since production. Design911, next day Porsche parts and Porsche oem parts specialist, advises Porsche owners with this model to verify their registration documentation to confirm the exemption applies.
Vehicles become exempt from annual MOT testing requirements once they reach 40 years old and are no longer obligated to pay Vehicle Excise Duty. However, owners may need to apply to HMRC and shouldn't assume an exemption applies unless this has been confirmed in writing.
Exemptions for Porsche 944 Cars from MOT and Road Tax
Porsche model 944 cars registered before 1st January 1983 are now eligible to request exemption against road tax requirements, classed as 1982 models with a registration ending in the letters X or Y.
Vehicles with a personalised number plate are equally eligible, and the original registration date will be reflected in the car ownership documentation.
While the proportion of older vehicles still on the road is likely to be low, an estimated 2,200 model 944 Porsches are still in roadworthy condition and driven on UK roads, usually because they have been well maintained with Porsche-approved maintenance and parts replacements.
Recommended Safety Checks for Tax and MOT-Exempt Vehicles
While an MOT-exempt vehicle does not need to undergo a formal MOT test once per year, owners are advised that they remain legally responsible for keeping any classic car in a condition that ensures it is safe to drive and does not pose a risk for other road users.
Vehicles with defects critical to safe performance, such as a tyre without the minimum legal tread, can attract penalty points of up to three points per tyre and fines of up to £2,500.
Research conducted in 2021 suggests that 20% of classic cars booked in for voluntary MOT testing failed – although there are normally options to resolve issues, such as replacing worn parts or components.
Most classic car owners are diligent about keeping vintage vehicles in pristine condition, but it remains important to consider regular maintenance and servicing. Only around 120,000 cars aged 40 years or above were booked for a voluntary test over a 30-month period between 2019 and 2021.
However, the regulations state that any vehicle built or registered over 40 years ago does not need to comply with mandatory MOT testing provided no substantial modifications have been made within the last three decades, such as changing the engine, chassis or axles.
Advice for Classic Porsche Owners on Maintaining a Roadworthy Vehicle
Karl Chopra, Design911 Managing Director says: “The Porsche 944 has been revived as a British heritage car and attracted significant interest over the last couple of years, turning from one of the less popular classic Porsche models into a desirable collector’s item.
Classic car owners own a piece of automotive history. They should ensure that any replacement parts or components are sourced carefully from an approved supplier to remain consistent and authentic to the performance and engineering of the vehicle.
While, in some cases, a modern part from the same manufacturer can be suitable, the priority is to keep the form as close to the original as you can to retain vehicle value.
Typical maintenance requirements to focus on include timing belts: the 944 has a timing belt that controls the valves and pistons, so a belt that breaks or slips can cause serious damage. Belts normally need to be replaced every 30,000 miles or five years.
You should also ensure you have sufficient insurance to cover the full value of your vehicle, which, as any classic Porsche owner will know, can be more complex than standard insurance for a modern car."
Porsche enthusiasts can purchase a 944 in fairly good condition for a reasonable price. Still, any prospective or existing owner can expect to invest in maintenance since a classic Porsche can become expensive to service without regular checks.
Buyers should look for a vehicle that has had a low number of owners, and a full-service history, as a car that isn't currently roadworthy may require considerable work to bring back to a functional condition.
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Media Contact:
Tom Harper-Ward
Design 911
+44 (0)208 500 8811
About Design911
Design911 has established itself as the market leader, offering trade and retail customers a full range of OEM and aftermarket Porsche parts for general servicing and re-build as well as restoration and tuning for the UK, European and world-wide markets. The company’s impressive 34,000 sq. ft Essex headquarters comprise sales department, warehouse, workshop and body shop, as well as a showroom of classic Porsches for sale. We pride ourselves that we will be the company that can supply ‘every part for every Porsche’.
Source Company: https://www.design911.co.uk
Published by: Steve OBrien