SE23186 - Car benefits: calculation of price as regards a year; classic car - example

Section 168F ICTA 1988

When working through this example you may find it useful to refer to:

  • the general introduction to the calculation of price of a car as regards a year atSE23100
  • the flowchart setting out the steps involved in calculating the price of a car as regards a year atSE23100a.
  • the guidance on classic cars atSE23170onwards.

On 1 May 1998 a company buys a car for £12,000 and provides it for private use to the director. The director contributes £2,000 to the cost. It was first registered in 1951 and had a list price then of approximately £2,800. During the year the car is renovated and on 5 April 1999 it has a market value of £17,500.

Calculation of the price of the car as regards 1998/99

Price of the car as calculated on basis of list price and on assumption that the renovations simply involve provision of replacement accessories ( SE23155) so that no additions made to price in respect of accessories£2,800
Less capital contribution(£2,000)
Price of car as regards 1998/99 without classic car rules£800

However, this is not the end of the story. There are two key factors to take into account:

  • The car is at least 15 years old at 5 April 1999
  • its market value for the year is £17,500, so meets the classic cars test of being at least £15,000.

The car is therefore a “classic car” within Section 168F ( SE23170 onwards)

The price of the car as regards 1998/99 is therefore

Market value for the year£17,500
less capital contribution£2,000
Price of the car as regards 1998/99£15,500