Actually, in the UK, 15 year old cars have to meet the same emission standards as new ones at the annual MOT. This standard is much higher than required for much older (carburetted) cars like the TR7 (thank goodness). My Saabs are 12 and 15 years old, have engine management systems which control everything so tightly that most would meet the standards without a cat fitted. It has been said that the exhaust from the rear is cleaner than the air taken in the front.
The scheme has been running in a form for a while now with £1000 being paid for old cars as long as they are roadworthy (MOT'd) and driveable. This is against the purchase of certain new cars (such as small diesel engined Vauxhall Corsa and Astra models). A certificate of destruction is provided for the old car.
However, in typical blinkered government fashion, this ignores the fact that destruction of the old car and manufacture of the new one gives far more carbon output than running the old one. Of course, it might generate some business to keep jobs in these tough times and with it some extra taxes (surprise!), but it is alledgedly all done in the cause of being green.
Alan
Saab 9000 Stg 1
Saab 9000 2.3 FPT Auto
'81 TR7 DHC
