Youngtimer
A younger collectible vehicle, usually around 20 to 29 years old – younger than an Oldtimer. FIVA lists youngtimers as Class Y.
A youngtimer is a younger collector's vehicle that has not yet reached the age of an Oldtimer (classic). The term usually refers to vehicles around 20 to 29 years old – younger than the 30-year threshold common for Oldtimers, but already beyond everyday use and with a collector's value of their own.
The term comes from the German-speaking world and is a so-called pseudo-anglicism: it is not originally common in English but has become increasingly established internationally. There is no fixed legal definition; the age limits vary by federation, insurer and organiser.
In the regulations of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens), youngtimers are recorded as a separate category: Class Y. It covers vehicles between 20 and 29 years old. FIVA thus clearly separates youngtimers from the historic classes A to I, which group older vehicles by period of construction. Many classic rallies explicitly admit youngtimers alongside Oldtimers. The full list of classes is available from the FIVA Events Commission.
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.
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.
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).