Buried under the kudzu of information in the 2013 budget, we spotted an interesting little paragraph. Point 2.148, to be precise. And it pertains to Vehicle Excise Duty, or what you may prefer to call road rent.

Just like cars built before 1973, from April 1 2014 a vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1974 will be exempt from paying VED. That means, come 2014, you don’t have to pay road tax on cars that were built through ‘73, so there’s a new wave of classics that avoid the unfortunate task of handing over up to £1065 in annual taxes.

Ever on hand to offer real-world consumer advice, TopGear.com’s clumped the best cars launched in 1973 together in this handy gallery. Go forth and buy one. But not till 2014. And don’t come crying to us when it breaks down.

Which one would you have?