Ford, BMW and Porsche among classic cars becoming tax and MOT exempt

Ford Sierra

Revealed to the world at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham, the Ford Sierra went on sale in October 1982. As the replacement for the renowned Ford Cortina, the Sierra had a lot to live up to.

It was a tough sell at first, with many criticising the boxy but more aerodynamic design, but the reality was that it was significantly more modern than its predecessor and sales quickly gained momentum. It was sold until 1993 when it was replaced by the Ford Mondeo.

Porsche 944

It may not share the stardom of its 911 sibling, but the 944 was undoubtedly a thoroughbred Porsche.

It was an evolution of the successful but underpowered 924 and as such featured a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, later upgrade to 2.7-litres. More powerful S, S2 and Turbo models were also introduced in later years, along with a cabriolet version.

Volkswagen Polo (Mark 2)

Though launched in 1981, the second-generation Polo didn’t arrive in the UK until the following year.

In the true 1980s Volkswagen style, it outperformed competitors when it came to reliability, build quality, durability and refinement. Initially, it was available as a rather square-shaped three-door estate which affectionately became known as the ‘breadvan’.

Reliant Rialto

Almost certainly the quirkiest car on this list, the three-wheeled Rialto was the replacement for the legendary Reliant Robin. Upon its launch in 1982, there was a 12-month waiting list for the wedge-shaped fibreglass tricycle built in Staffordshire, and it remained in production for some 16 years thereafter.