What Could Happen to Classic Cars After 2035?

Classic car owners that follow industry news may have heard rumblings and talk about gas cars and the year 2035. What will happen in 2035, and why should classic car owners know about it?

This guide answers that question with a dive deep into the future of classic and gasoline-powered vehicles in 2035 and beyond.

What Will Happen in 2035?

Recently, more governments in the US and worldwide have begun instituting stricter restrictions regarding gasoline-powered cars, with 2035 becoming a benchmark year for the industry. The European Union (EU) and its 27 member countries proposed and adopted legislation to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles after 2035.

Soon after, California approved similar legislation and won’t allow new gas vehicles to be sold in the state, with other states like New York expected to follow suit soon. While these laws prohibit the sale of cars that emit greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, they don’t restrict the production of the vehicles, with the assumption being that production will decrease with the lowered demand.

The California law is expected to face legal challenges, and there will be many barriers before it’s implemented. Nevertheless, it’s still a significant change that could lead to immense adjustments in the automotive industry.

Why Are They Instituting These Laws?

The EU and the state of California have adopted these restrictions around gas-powered cars as part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels like gasoline. The EU’s goal is to be completely carbon-neutral by 2050—naturally, gas-powered cars hinder that goal.

Gas-powered cars are one of the most significant factors in carbon emissions, and reducing the number of vehicles on the road would decrease carbon dioxide pollution. The laws are intended to reduce carbon pollution and urge drivers and automakers to make the broader transition from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs).

What Do Gas-Powered Restrictions Mean for Classic Car Owners?

So, what does all this mean for owners? What could happen to classic cars after 2035? While these laws are still more than a decade from being implemented, they could have immediate effects, growing as we near the deadline.

We all know that classic cars are not the most fuel-efficient vehicles available, but vintage owners should rest assured that there is currently no legislation or effort prohibiting the sale or use of older cars. While it could indirectly affect classic cars and collectors, governments are more focused on limiting new gas-powered cars instead of old ones.

In summation, classic car owners shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about the future. New cars may be different, but there will always be room for classics.

How To Make Your Classic Car More Eco-Friendly

All these laws are about putting more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles on the road in the future, but you can make your classic car more eco-friendly too.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

A classic car that is in top condition is generally more fuel efficient. All classic car owners should stay on top of maintenance so the car doesn’t decrease in value. Routine maintenance and service will also help it get better fuel mileage.

Changing the oil regularly, checking on fluids, and keeping tires inflated to their ideal pressure are crucial to improving the fuel efficiency of an older car. It may not drastically improve the fuel economy, but repeated care and maintenance over a long period will make a difference.

Use High-Quality Gasoline

Since you must use gasoline for a classic vehicle anyway, you might as well use high-quality stuff. Again, this is another fuel-efficiency tip that classic car owners should follow for their vehicles, regardless of how they feel about fuel economy.

Higher-quality gasoline burns cleaner and is better for the car’s engine, and many contain additives that help prolong the fuel system’s efficiency. Premium gasoline may cost more, but it’ll help you save in the long run with its efficiency.

Keep It Light

The simplest but most effective way to make any vehicle more efficient, whether it’s brand-new or decades old, is to make it lighter. Do you carry tools or supplies in the trunk of your classic car? Perhaps it’s time to put the car on a diet and lighten it up. It’s simple—the lighter a vehicle is, the less fuel the engine needs to burn for propulsion.

Convert It to Electric

Or, you can do what more and more classic car owners are doing every year—converting their vintage ride to an electric powertrain. It’s certainly not a simple or cheap change. It’s a serious undertaking that could cost over $30,000, depending on the vehicle and parts. But the result is a revitalized classic car for the modern age, and it’s becoming more popular with vintage owners every year.

Benefits of Converting a Classic Car to an Electric Vehicle

If you’re considering swapping out your classic’s old gasoline engine for an electric powertrain, let us explain some of the benefits you can expect from the switch.

Reduced Emissions

As we’ve discussed, the primary benefit of switching from gas to electric is that the vehicle won’t emit harmful carbon emissions like gasoline-powered vehicles.

Fuel Savings

Naturally, a classic EV doesn’t need gasoline, so car owners will save money by skipping the fuel pump and going the all-electric route. Of course, electricity isn’t free, and charging takes longer than filling up the gas tank, but it’s still cheaper than gas, and you don’t have to worry about rising gas prices.

Improved Performance

As much as we love gasoline engines and their power and performance, EV technology has improved so much that electric powertrains have more to offer than typical gasoline ones. Many classic cars feature powertrains that are of their time and don’t come close to modern vehicles regarding horsepower or torque.

EVs are some of the most high-performing cars today, with blazing fast 0–60 mph times and a wealth of horsepower and torque. An electric powertrain is perhaps the best way to make your classic car feel and perform like it’s new again.

We hope you’ve learned about classic cars and their future regarding gasoline restriction laws. If you’re in the market for a classic ride, don’t forget that Ideal Classic Cars has an expansive inventory of custom vintage cars for sale for drivers to find their next dream car!