Classic car prices could “rise” partly due to car tax exemption rules, according to Wheeler Dealers host Marc Priestley. 

The former F1 mechanic turned TV star said that historic vehicles were “getting stronger and stronger” with motorists able to save on running costs by securing an older model. 

Marc made the assessment when asked whether demand for classic cars could go up as drivers in cities attempt to save money. 

Historic rolling tax exemption rules state that cars older than 40 years old no longer have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty rates. 

The same rule also applies to Clean Air Zone charges such as London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Marc said: “I think yes is the short answer. Certainly in certain parts.

“If you think about London as well you’ve got the ULEZ zones which get exemptions from so there are significant savings just on that front.”

The 40-year rolling exemption means that cars first registered before January 1984 no longer have to pay rates. 

Meanwhile, vehicles first manufactured after 1985 will avoid charges from next April. 

Earlier this year, experts at Heritage Classic Car Insurance revealed that a growing number of road users in London were buying older machines to dodge daily ULEZ fees.

Marc added that there was a “lot to be said” about historic vehicles as he suggested saving money was not the only benefit.

“Even more than that. The classic car is not only a car that you can work on yourself which will save you money," Marc said.

“You can't do that on a modern car, you can’t fix anything yourself really on a modern car you need to plug it in or take it to a dealer."

Marc added: “A classic car you’ve still got the ability to take it apart, to use, fix it, replace it and keep the thing alive which can give you enjoyment and fulfil a passion as well as saving you money. 

“There's an awful lot to be said about the classic car industry and I think it’s getting stronger and stronger and these elements absolutely feed into that. I do think we will see a rise in classic car prices as a result.”

Wheeler Dealers World Tour will be available on Discovery Channel and discovery+, airing weekly on Mondays at 9pm from 29th April.