Norwich has been revealed as the city with the oldest cars.

The Morris Minor is the most commonly owned old car model that is topping the old-timers list.

Joy of driving

Ask any driver who’s owned their car for several years, and they’ll likely tell you how much they cherish their vehicle.

Whether it’s a trusted second-hand car or a well-maintained classic model, many drivers form strong attachments to their older cars.

However, some owners keep their vehicles for much longer than usual, even when modern cars offer better efficiency and safety.

Car.co.uk analysed the Office of National Statistics (ONS) data to find the cities with the oldest car populations.

The research examined the average age of cars in cities across the country and the most commonly owned classic car models.

 

The UK cities with the oldest cars

Rank UK City Average Car Age
1. Norwich 11.96
2. Bournemouth 11.70
3. Southampton 11.66
4. Boston 11.51
5. Oxford 11.43
6. Southend-on-Sea 11.40
7. Bristol 11.28
8. Brighton 11.22
9. Reading 11.21
10. Gloucester 11.18

 

A nod to Norfolk and the South

Norwich takes the top spot as the UK city with the oldest cars, with vehicles averaging nearly 12 years old.

This suggests that Norwich residents keep their cars longer than drivers elsewhere.

Following closely is Bournemouth, where the average car age is 11.70 years, and Southampton, where vehicles typically remain on the road for 11.66 years.

Interestingly, the data shows that cities in Eastern and Southern England have older cars compared to those in the North.

Boston and Oxford round out the top five, indicating that drivers in these regions prefer to keep their vehicles running rather than replace them with newer models.

But it is also about nostalgia for the older cars and the considerable interest from older drivers in restoring and keeping ‘classics’ on the road.

Popular oldies

Rank Model Year Made Amount existing
1. Morris Minor 1969 3390
2. Morris Mini 1971 1735
3. Mg Midget 1973 8088
4. Ford Cortina 1975 3098
5. Triumph Dolomite 1976 1689
6. Leyland Cars Mini 1977 2472
7. Triumph Spitfire 1977 4615
8. Triumph Stag 1978 4409
9. Lotus Elan 1978 2517
10. Ford Capri 1978 8730

 

The Moggy fest

The Morris Minor, a classic symbol of British motoring, is the most commonly owned old car in the UK, with 3,390 still registered for road use.

This beloved vintage vehicle, first produced in 1969, has remained a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts.

Despite its age, it is an economical, practical, and solid motor.

Second place goes to the Morris Mini, with 1,735 still running, proving that the Mini’s timeless design continues to capture the hearts of drivers.

Meanwhile, the MG Midget takes third place, with 8,088 still on the roads—a testament to its enduring popularity among classic car lovers.

Classic joy

These cars remain on UK roads thanks to their reliability, simple mechanics, and the dedicated community of vintage car enthusiasts who keep them in working order.

The continued availability of spare parts and restoration services also significantly affects their longevity.

Many are very easy to work on compared to modern cars, often don’t have to pay road tax (VED), and insurance premiums are frequently very low compared to the latest models.