How does classic car leasing for private and commercial cars work?

At first glance, when it comes to leasing, most people think of a new car and not a classic car. But classic car leasing can be a way for both private individuals and tradespeople to drive an extraordinary vehicle. We tell you how you can lease a classic car.

We don't have classic cars on offer at Carwow, but if you're interested in leasing a new car, here are a few offers:

Leasing offers
Model	from monthly
Cupra Born	199 €	Compare offers
Fiat 600e	159 €	Compare offers
VW Tiguan	258 €	Compare offers
Seat Arona	99 €	Compare offers
Dacia Jogger	119 €	Compare offers

Leasing classic cars

What is classic car leasing?

Classic car leasing means that you lease a vehicle that is at least 30 years old, which must largely correspond to the original condition and be in good condition. As with a new car lease, you pay a monthly leasing rate and can use the classic car within the specified leasing period.

The original condition is also crucial if you want to apply for an H license plate.

How does classic car leasing work?

But it's not quite that easy to lease a classic car. The process is different from leasing a new car. Of course, you can't just click on criteria such as automatic transmission, head-up display or Android Auto and see models with these features.

A classic car is unique, you take it in the condition and with the equipment it has – or you don't. Accordingly, you first look for your own classic car, either from private individuals or from classic car dealers – maybe it will be an American sports car. You also negotiate the purchase price and when all this is settled, you contact a leasing provider specializing in classic cars. You can find contacts online relatively quickly.

The vehicle is bought by the leasing provider and they then offer you a leasing contract – here it is also possible to include a purchase option at the end of the term and a fixed residual value, which usually increases over time for classic cars. That's why there are also special classic car insurance policies that take this condition into account.

Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of classic car leasing:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Reduced vehicle tax	Increased susceptibility to repairs
Exemption for environmental zones	No modern assistance systems
Tax advantages for commercial customers	Tax advantages not for private customers

Advantages of classic car leasing?

Leasing a classic car can have some advantages – but primarily for companies and the self-employed.

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Reduced vehicle tax for classic car leasing

When it comes to vehicle tax, both private individuals and tradespeople benefit, because those who have an H license plate receive a reduced vehicle tax. However, this only applies to classic cars, unfortunately youngtimers are not included.

The annual vehicle tax for a classic car is a flat rate of 191.73 euros, for a vintage motorcycle it is 46.02 euros.

Commercial tax advantages

The commercial tax advantages are an extra plus point for classic car leasing. If the classic car is mainly used for business, the leasing instalments can be deducted in full, and repair costs are also deductible.

If you use the classic car partly for business and partly for private purposes, the 1% depreciation comes into play – but here the historical list price is applied, not the current market value. This means that you only have to pay tax on a very small sum as a non-cash benefit.

What are the disadvantages of classic car leasing?

Like everything, classic car leasing does not only have advantages. Disadvantages can be:

Increased susceptibility to repairs
Little comfort and lack of safety equipment
Tax office can consider classic cars to be inappropriate

With regard to the last point, it may be that the tax office considers the classic car to be an unreasonable representation expense and it can therefore not or only partially be attributed to business assets for tax purposes.

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Frequently asked questions about classic car leasing

If you're still interested in leasing a classic car, here are a few more answers to common questions:

Can you lease classic cars privately?

Yes, you can also lease a classic car privately. Find a suitable vehicle and then contact a company specializing in classic car leasing regarding leasing.

Can you lease classic cars as a company car or as a business?

In principle, yes, but the principle of reasonableness applies if you want to deduct the installments in full from your taxes. The tax office can reject this.

Where can I find classic car leasing offers?

Online you can also find offers for classic cars on various car platforms. It also makes sense to look around at appropriate trade fairs and make contacts there. As already explained, you first have to look for a car so that you can lease it from a company.