Mik Peirce, Niterra UK senior technical coordinator, explores the impact classic car ownership is having on independent garages.
The UK’s automotive aftermarket is evolving. While electric vehicles continue to make headlines, there’s another movement growing in parallel – the increasing emphasis on classic vehicle maintenance and repair. It’s a shift that could impact the way workshops operate, and at Niterra, we are striving to support professionals who recognise the value in catering to these timeless machines.
Classic cars aren’t just a passion project for enthusiasts – they’re a significant and growing part of the automotive landscape. According to industry reports, the UK’s classic car market is thriving, with more vehicles reaching ‘classic’ status as models from the late ‘90s onwards now qualify. For example, IBISWorld’s Classic Car Dealers in the UK Report (October 2024) indicates that the UK’s classic car dealer industry has experienced steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7 per cent over the five years leading up to 2024-25, reaching an estimated revenue of nearly £2 billion. With over a million classic cars on UK roads, demand for skilled mechanics and quality parts is strong.
Workshops that embrace this trend can tap into a loyal customer base willing to invest in maintenance, restoration, and sustaining their investment. But success in this market hinges on access to the right parts and expertise.
The business case
For workshops, offering expertise in classic vehicle servicing isn’t just about heritage – it’s about future-proofing their business. Many classic car owners prefer independent specialists over dealerships, valuing experience, craftsmanship, and access to trusted brands like NGK. Whether it’s ignition components, filtration, or bespoke tuning, having the right parts at hand makes all the difference in customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Moreover, with EV adoption accelerating, some petrolheads are holding onto internal combustion engine vehicles for longer as a way to make their own contribution to recycling and longevity. The looming shift to electrification has only deepened appreciation for ‘traditional’ engineering and is securing classic vehicle’s place on the road alongside a new generation. As more and more vehicles will become classics in their lifetime, many vehicle owners see classic cars as a long-term investment or a way to continue enjoying motoring free from the uncertainties of EV infrastructure.
Be prepared
While the opportunities are clear, workshops looking to expand into classic car servicing should consider a few key factors:
• Specialist knowledge Classic cars often require different diagnostic approaches, older tools and a deep understanding of mechanical systems no longer found in modern vehicles.
• Labour costs and time Restorations and repairs can be labour-intensive, requiring careful customer communication on costs and timeframes.
• Space and equipment Some classics require more space due to their size and special handling needs.
• Sourcing reliable parts Partnering with trusted suppliers like Niterra ensures that quality ignition components are readily available.
The last in particular is something we at Niterra UK have prioritised with our latest NGK Ignition Parts catalogue.
A modern classic
Recognising the need for easy access to classic vehicle parts, we have expanded our flagship NGK brand’s Ignition Parts catalogue. For the first time, classic car applications are included in print, making it as quick to reference a 1970s Jaguar as it is a 2020 Ford Focus. Covering vehicles from 1903 to 1990 in the classic section, the entire catalogue now features nearly 550 spark plugs and over 140 glow plug part numbers, ensuring mechanics have what they need to keep classics running smoothly.
As the UK automotive aftermarket adapts to new challenges, workshops that embrace classic car servicing have an opportunity to secure long-term business. With our expanded catalogue and NGK Partfinder website now offering a full range of classic vehicle parts in print and online, professionals can easily find the right ignition components to keep these vehicles running at their best.
The road ahead is changing, but for those willing to embrace the past, the future looks bright.
