The introduction of E10 petrol (standard unleaded) will cause damage to the fuel system of classic cars which could lead to the loss of important, historical vehicles.

Stocks of replacement parts are becoming scarce and experiments have shown that the damage caused by E10 to fuel tanks, carburettors, fuel pumps and engines will be extensive. If fuel escapes onto hot engine and exhaust components (due to degradation caused by E10) it will ignite and result in engine bay fires.

E10 is also known to cause vapour lock which can lead to loss of power or stalling.

All classic cars will require additives to offset the effects of Ethanol but even these are not 100% effective against the damage caused.

The historic and classic motor industry provides as much to the UK economy as the arts, according to research commissioned by HERO-ERA, that found the sector turns over £18.3bn and employs 113,000 people.

Since the introduction of E10 there have been many instances of garages running out of premium unleaded (E5 petrol) forcing drivers to use E10 even though this is known to harm their vehicles.

The government should reduce fuel duty on premium unleaded or consider allowing owners of classic vehicles (with the 40 year age exemption) to be able to purchase this at an agreed rate.

The government should also legislate against the elimination of premium unleaded fuel to guarantee supply and to safeguard the longer term usage of classic vehicles.