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.
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.
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).