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.
Glossary from A to Z
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.
H-Kennzeichen
Germany's official historic-vehicle plate with an ‘H’ for cars 30+ years old – full everyday use, flat vehicle tax, free access to low-emission zones.