Number of classic car owner 'out there' ?

[Air-Hybrid]

How would I go about getting a ballpark figure for the population of drivers running (what they consider!) classic cars.
I'm thinking mainly in Europe and the US, although I'm keen to hear figures or percentages from around the world too.

I ask from the point of view that cars, at least here in the UK, earlier than 1992 have little more than a 'black smoke' test... (just checked and earlier cars back to 1975 with significant CO levels can be failed as well).
Anyway, without these tailpipe restrictions (particularly the NOx requirements) many of these older cars could be great platforms for transplanting newer lean-burn engines without any chance of Test failure or need for cat's. And many intermediate age cars that aren't collectable could be saved from the scrapyard.

I'd like numbers as it would be interesting to work out how much CO2 having a large number of these cars converted would offset.

[Arragonis]

I have an MGBGT 1973 model in my garage awaiting fixing up and paint. I never have any time though but it would be good to get it going - the 1973 here (UK) still had the mid-60s spec 98hp twin carb engine and not the strangled US "federal" version but I would prefer to go with a more modern unit - maybe a 1.4 K-series (103hp and FI) or maybe a GM Ecotec 1.4 16v from a Corsa. If I really feel brave maybe an L-Series Diesel as it is based on the B-Series block.

[larrybuck]

The only stats I've every heard of in the USA have been that 7% of us are beyond
civilian norm, and are CAR NUTS!

The breakdown of the tons of catagories would be mind boggling.

When the term classic is used, many people assume you are talking about a
100% OEM car w no customizing,mods; so things get clouded fast!

[Arragonis]

I'm not American, and so outside the stats

[gone-ot]

...don't know how "classic" it might be considered, but I did own a 1965 MG Midget, but don't have it now.

[Air-Hybrid]

I'd also like to get an idea of how big the market is for security systems on older/classic cars is - for setting up a small business, so I'll be honest this has nought to do with ecomodding per se