Scrap costs classics
May 21st, 2009 by Richard Aucock
HYUNDAI dealers report that, in the first week of the scrap scheme, classic cars have been sent to the scrapper.
The firm reports that both a 1966 Austin 1100 and a 1968 Morris Minor were destroyed.
This earned their owners £2000 off a new Hyundai.
Other classic destructions that may have car fans up in arms include an MG Midget, MGB GT, Nissan 300ZX and a Fiat X1/9.
However, Hyundai car dealers set car buff minds to rest, by saying that both those 1960s cars were ‘basket cases’. They really were fit only for the scrap yard, despite having a recent MOT.
Some car dealers even say old cars were having to be towed into them. That’s because even this final journey was too much for some…
… and the most common car to be towed in? Rovers, with MOTs, but blown head gaskets. Sounds to us like a very smart way to make cash from broken motors!
It’s not the only surprise swaps seen by the car dealers, either. Several customers have traded Jaguars.
One condemned a Jaguar XJ-S for a Hyundai i10. Another customer traded an XJ6 for an i20.
Other cars exchanged for £2000 off a new Hyundai include:
• BMW – 34
• Audi – 22
• Mercedes – 32
• Mazda MX-5 – 6
• MGF – 7
200 Nissan Micras and 126 Ford Escorts have also been sent to the scrap yard in exchange for a new Hyundai. These numbers are eye-opening, and show the scheme IS working.
Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai UK’s MD, said: ‘Some people look a little embarrassed when they turn up at a showroom with an old car which is literally falling to pieces, but we’re happy to take anything, as long as it meets the Government’s criteria.’
Car Dealer Magazine thus plans to highlight the most surprising scrap scheme trade-ins – so be sure to send us a photo of your most bizarre swaps!
Scrap clarified for car dealers
Ford to start scrap scheme deliveries
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