Above all, prestige
The most important advantage of registering a car as a historic vehicle is an increase in the vehicle’s value. Granting a car historic-vehicle status means that it consists of at least 75% original parts, is at least 25 years old, and has not been produced for 15 years. For true motoring fans, this is a real treat, as they have the opportunity to drive a car that not only looks great but also demonstrates the craftsmanship of designers employed by the largest automotive corporations.
Granting historic-vehicle status increases the car’s value in the eyes of motoring enthusiasts and investors. People wishing to invest their money often look for cars that qualify for registration as historic vehicles but are in poor technical condition. Such vehicles are sold cheaply, and the availability of original spare parts makes it possible to restore them, register them with the historic monuments conservator, and then sell them for a substantial profit.
Historic vehicles can also generate income. Their owners are often invited to various events and rallies, participation in which is accompanied by appropriate payment. In addition, newlyweds are interested in classic cars and rent historic vehicles to travel to their wedding. Owners can charge as much as several hundred zlotys per hour for renting out a classic car.
Paperwork Discourages Classic-Car Owners
To register a car as a historic vehicle, many formalities must be completed. This discourages some classic-car owners, especially since it does not guarantee that the historic monuments conservator and an expert will agree to enter the car in the register. It may turn out that the vehicle consists of 70% original parts, whereas entry in the historic-vehicle register requires 75% original parts. This is a controversial provision, particularly because cars in which the engine has been replaced can be registered as historic vehicles, since the engine does not constitute more than 25% of a classic car’s components. The car’s insurance is also problematic. Classic Car Insurance is available only outside Poland, while domestic insurance companies do not offer attractive policies for classic cars.