(a) After determining the cost price to the purchaser, the department shall classify or reclassify every vehicle, other than a trailer or semi-trailer described in subdivision (a) of Section 5014.1 of the Vehicle Code, in its proper class according to the classification plan set forth in this section.

(b) For the purpose of this section, a classification plan is established consisting of the following classes: a class from zero dollars ($0) to and including forty-nine and ninety-nine cents ($49.99); a class from fifty dollars ($50) to and including one hundred ninety-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents ($199.99); and thereafter a series of classes successively set up in brackets having a spread of two hundred dollars ($200), consisting of a number of classes that will permit classification of all vehicles.

(c) The market value of a vehicle, other than a trailer or semi-trailer as described in subdivision (a) of Section 5014.1 of the Vehicle Code, for each registration year, starting with the year the vehicle was first sold to a consumer as a new vehicle, or the year the vehicle was first purchased or assembled by the person applying for original registration in this state, or the year the vehicle was sold to the current registered owner as a used vehicle, shall be as follows: for the first year, 100 percent of a sum equal to the middle point between the extremes of its class as established in subdivision (b); for the second year, 90 percent of that sum; for the third year, 80 percent of that sum; for the fourth year, 70 percent of that sum, for the fifth year, 60 percent of that sum; for the sixth year, 50 percent of that sum; for the seventh year, 40 percent of that sum; for the eighth year, 30 percent of that sum; for the ninth year, 25 percent of that sum; and for the 10th year, 20 percent of that sum; and for the 11th year and each succeeding year, 15 percent of that sum; provided, however, that the minimum tax shall be the sum of one dollar ($1). Notwithstanding this subdivision, the market value of a trailer coach first sold on and after January 1, 1966, which is required to be moved under permit as authorized in Section 35790 of the Vehicle Code, shall be determined by the schedule in Section 10753.3 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.