Classic cars - When does a car become a classic?

Classic cars - When does a car become a classic?

The most important facts in brief:

A classic car is a vehicle that was first registered at least 30 years ago

Youngtimers are vehicles that are 20 to 30 years old and should be preserved for the next generation of classic cars

There are classic car vehicle classes for better comparability of vehicles in competitions or rallies

Classic cars: When does a vehicle become a classic car?

When does a vehicle become a classic car? This question can be answered quite clearly: A classic car is a vehicle that was registered for the first time at least 30 years ago. In Germany, the term classic car is legally defined in § 2 No. 22 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance. Since 1997, classic cars have also been easily recognizable on the roads by the H license plate. This means that classic cars were first put on the road at least 30 years ago and are considered to be a vehicle-related cultural asset. It is therefore also important that classic cars are kept in their original condition as far as possible and are only restored with original parts.

Internationally, however, the age limit at which a vehicle is considered a classic car varies. In Germany and the EU, a vehicle is a classic car from 30 years old, as well as in the UK and in Australia it is only 25 years to classic car status. In the USA, there is no standardized national definition. The classification can vary from state to state and other criteria also play a role in determining when a vehicle becomes a classic car in the USA.

The term “classic car” also has a completely different meaning in English than in German. In Great Britain, it refers to an older man. In contrast, terms such as “classic car”, “veteran car” or “vintage car” are used for historic vehicles.

A classic car is not just an old vehicle, but a piece of history on wheels. The status “classic car” reflects both the value and the enthusiasm that people feel for historic automobiles.

The difference between youngtimers and classic cars

When does a vehicle become a classic car? Youngtimers are vehicles that are between 20 and 30 years old and are therefore close to classic car status. It is also important for classic cars that they are largely in their original condition and well preserved.

Just like vintage cars, classic cars also have a certain collector's and collector's value and are cultural assets worthy of preservation.

Overview of classic car vehicle classes:up to and including 1904 Ancestor:

According to statistics from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, around 846,000 classic cars are registered in Germany (as of January 1, 2024), and the trend is rising. Significant percentage are the regular cars, followed by commercial vehicles, trucks and motorcycles. Classic cars therefore remain a popular cultural asset that should be preserved.