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Originally Published October 23, 2018 by Rahna Brown on LinkedIn

First things first, what is a Youngtimer?

A. A young person who plays pinochle and smokes Virginia Slims

B. A car manufactured in the 80s or 90s

C. A new engine installed in an older car

I learned about this term recently while reading an article in a trade magazine. The article mentioned a tire manufacturer that wanted to appeal to the retro look desired by the Youngtimer market. The what?

Needless to say...I had to do a little research!

As for the answer to the above multiple choice question: it’s B, and if you guessed it, you’re ahead of the curve. See pix below.

Youngtimer is a nifty handle used to describe cars (yes cars, not people) from the 80s and 90s. It’s a car that isn’t quite old enough to be a well established classic, but is on its way; kind of a modern classic.

People who own Youngtimers tend to be those who grew up when these cars were new on the road, in the 80s and 90s. Collectors say they like the feel of driving these cars, built before ABS and technological aids (like power steering), they say it feels like “really driving”.

Since these cars contain less electronic technology, people can tinker under the hood and make repairs themselves. These are vehicles that evoke emotion, not cars built just to get from one place to another.

The modern classic cars preferred by Youngtimer-owners may still be reasonably priced... But best watch out and invest now! Soon Youngtimers will increase in value and become “true classics”. And pricing will reflect that change!

So what do they look like? A 1982 maroon Pinto?

No. Think:

• 1985 Audi Quattro

• 1982 Corvette

• 1988 Mercedes S Class with a Zender body kit

• BMW E36 body style






•1991 VW Jetta

• 1990 Ford Bronco (Not sure if this is a Youngtimer or not! Would you consider it a Youngtimer???)

See MORE pix BELOW! Or check them out HERE

Here are a few more Youngtimer factoids:

• The Youngtimer owner-demographic skews a bit younger than the Oldtimer owner-demographic (lovers of cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s) Youngtimer cars tend to have high trim levels - they’re usually not base models

• The term Youngtimer is often associated with European-built vehicles

• The term was popularized in Europe’s car culture and is just gaining traction stateside

What do you think of Youngtimers?

What’s your favorite car from the 80s and 90s?

The Back to the Future Delorean?

A Scirocco or an old school M5?

Leave a comment!