Classic car
A motor vehicle that is 30 years old or older. The German term Oldtimer matches FIVA's definition of a historic vehicle and is distinct from the younger youngtimer (20 to 29 years).
A classic car (German Oldtimer) is a motor vehicle that is 30 years old or older. The 30-year threshold matches FIVA's definition of a historic vehicle and the German 'H' registration. It is distinct from the youngtimer, which is 20 to 29 years old and is treated, for registration purposes, like a current vehicle. Note that the German word 'Oldtimer' is a pseudo-anglicism: in English it refers to an old person, not a car, so 'classic car' or 'historic vehicle' is used instead. Classic cars are the focus of the events this glossary describes.
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Related terms
FIVA ID-Card
An internationally standardised FIVA document for historic vehicles over 30 years old. It records a vehicle's identity, technical data and history, is issued after a physical inspection, and serves identification purposes only.
Youngtimer
A younger collectible vehicle, usually around 20 to 29 years old – younger than an Oldtimer. FIVA lists Youngtimers as Class Y.
FIVA
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, the worldwide federation of historic vehicles founded in 1966. It protects and promotes motoring heritage and is a non-governmental partner of UNESCO.