ECO IMPACT

Naturally, owners of classic cars want to able to use their cherished vehicles without feeling their choice of transport isn't damaging the planet in the process. Clearly any additional emission has an impact that has to be recognised, and ideally offest, but there seems to be more to the story.

Interestingly, an increasing number of studies now show how owning a classic car may not only dramatically reduce the individual's carbon footprint, due to how they switch leisure behaviour away from more carbon-hungry pursuits, but how the lifetime carbon impact of a classic car is a fraction of that of an electric vehicle due to the production process of electric vehicles, and short lifespan. More below.

Some Interesting Facts

As an example, the production process of the Polestar electric car, produces 26 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The average classic car use generates 563kg of carbon dioxide a year. That is the same as a single flight to NYC, about what a mobile phone uses in 6 months, and a figure which means the classic has to be driven for 46 years to match the production emissions of the Polestar.

Classic cars are preserved; they are recycled. The owners are custodians who pass their cars on, to be cared for by others. This represents a very different approach to transport when compared to the more disposable dynamic of modern cars, and that's before the further impact of spent batteries into landfill is factored in.

Owners of classic cars typically focus on their cars for much of their leisure time; in particular, holidays. Research shows that this alternative behaviour typically reduces their carbon footprint by as much as 90% when compared to that of their peer groups.

These and many more interesting facts about the impact of classic cars on the environment can be found here.

Events like Cannes Classic can lead to an increase in classic car ownership, which in turn can have a positive impact on new owner's carbon footprint.

Cannes Classic will be offsetting the trip's carbon emissions through a reputable and valuable scheme.