Are British roads losing their colour? New research warns colourful cars are disappearing

Nearly six in ten (59%) feel disappointed that modern cars no longer have the distinctive personalities they once had. Over a quarter (27%) said the absence of colour made them feel nostalgic, recalling a time when bold reds, vibrant greens and sunburst yellows added character to UK roads. 

Yet the issue isn’t purely emotional, many drivers also highlight practical concerns. One in six respondents reported that the lack of colour on modern roads is making them less alert, making it harder to quickly notice and react to other vehicles. 

It’s not just about aesthetics; many feel it’s erasing the personality of car brands. The majority of classic car owners (94%) state that car brands are losing their unique identities, with manufacturers moving away from the distinctive designs and colours that once set them apart. Think Ferrari red, Jaguar racing green, or pastel Minis, all of which once reflected the heart of a brand and the era it was made for. 

Colourful cars used to be everywhere, so why have they become so rare? According to our findings, it wasn’t merely personal preference, over half (57%) think vibrant colours were standard options from manufacturers, making them easily available. 

Around four in ten (39%) point to past cultural trends that embraced bold, expressive designs, while one quarter feel it reflected a desire among drivers to stand out from the crowd. In addition, people worried less about resale value (19%), giving them freedom to experiment with distinctive shades.  

More drivers are turning back to classic cars 

With modern car designs becoming increasingly alike, interest in classic cars is rising. The longing for more unique designs isn’t just limited to colours. Our research shows that 85% of classic car owners prefer the distinctive styling of older vehicles, valuing the unique body shapes, bold colours, and craftsmanship that set them apart.  

It’s not just about looks, 74% appreciate the character these cars bring, something they feel is missing from today’s mass-produced models. Drivers also favour the authentic experience that classics offer, with many pointing to the use of real materials like leather, wood, and metal over modern plastics and screens. 

This is showing up on the roads as well. DVLA records show the number of historic classic cars on UK roads has risen to 415,257 in 2024, up 5.8% from 391,002 in 2023. 

For many, classic cars offer a way to reconnect with a time when cars had more personality and soul, especially through colour, which was once standard, expressive, and tied to strong brand identity. Ready to celebrate the individuality of driving again? We’re not just here to protect your car, we’re here to protect your heritage.