Statistically speaking, the classic car scene in Germany is an over-60s party - but one that has been visibly attracting new guests for a few years now: younger fans with cars from the 1990s and 2000s who are making the scene „younger and more digital“.
At the same time, the environment for classic cars remains surprisingly friendly: 82 % of motorists are happy to see classic cars on the roads.
On the market side, the following applies in 2026: no nationwide boom, but a lot of movement - with winners (E36/W124/850 T5) and losers (e.g. Audi A8 D2), partly based on Classic Analytics evaluations.
Technically, the next generation will not fail due to „too little passion“, but due to three tangible factors: spare parts supply, electronics/diagnostic expertise and workshop/training structures.
And this is precisely where it is decided whether „young interested parties“ become long-term supporters of the scene - or whether they give up in frustration after the third control unit drama.
The next generation is coming - just differently than before
The current BBE Classic study (communicated via the VDIK and trade press, among others) describes the situation quite accurately: classic and vintage car owners are on average over 60 years old, but younger fans with cars from the 1990s and 2000s are joining them; as a result, the scene is becoming „younger and more digital“.
What is driving this new generation?
Firstly: nostalgia, just with different music. Anyone in their mid/late 20s or early 30s today is more likely to have automotive childhood memories of the Golf III, E36, W124, Civic, TT, SLK or the first Twingo - not the Ponton, Pagoda or Baroque Angel. This is nothing different from what the older generation experienced with their post-war classics: You're not just restoring a car, you're restoring a piece of biography.
Secondly: Youngtimers are entry-level classics because they combine „driving“ and „screwing“. Many 90s/2000s already have safety and comfort features, but are still far enough away from today's software „black box“ car to experience repair as a craft. At the same time, they are generally more suitable for everyday use than many 50s/60s vehicles - which is crucial for people with a job, family and limited garage luxury.
Thirdly, the infrastructure of the scene has become more visible. The segment is described not only as a „hobby“, but also as an economically relevant field - including workshop and parts potential in the billions (classic cars and youngtimers combined).
Where there is a market, there are entry-level offers: Tours, workshops, training models, media formats.
For chronological classification (from the most important trend markers that are readily available in sources):
The key points are source-based via the German Association of the Automotive Industry and market observers/study communication.
Market and values: 90s/2000s between cult, scarcity and correction
Anyone who has been around for decades knows the game: the market rarely rewards „kind of nice“, but almost always condition + history + originality. In 2026, this applies more than ever because buyers and insurers have become more professional - and because parts/know-how are becoming scarcer.
What the DOX says about the environment
The German Classic Car Index (DOX) is not a classic car index, but it shows the general weather situation: as at 1 January 2025, prices had risen by an average of 1.85 % (2024 vs. previous year) - stable, but below the level of inflation. At the same time, the market shows a strong spread: the top 10 increased significantly on average, while the „worst“ models lost on average.
This translates as: Good cars become more desirable, average cars become more selective.
Winning stories and the new 90s appreciation
The situation becomes more concrete with 90s classics, which are described in the specialised press with Classic Analytics market values (in each case in maintained condition):
- BMW 325i Baur (E36): Market value 2020 €5,500, 2025 €19,000.
- Mercedes E 320 (W124): Market value 2020 €6,400, 2025 €15,000.
- Volvo 850 T5 estate: market value 2020 €5,800, 2025 €19,000.
- Renault Twingo (1993): Market value 2020 €1,200, 2025 €3,900.
These are not „everything will be expensive“ examples, but examples of a pattern: 90s cars become „classic“ when they combine zeitgeist, technical character and survival rate - and when unmodified vehicles become rare.
Corrections: Not every Youngtimer rises
At the same time, the trade press explicitly points out that there have been losses in value for individual youngtimers in recent years - Classic Analytics data included. Examples (Oct. 2020 vs. Oct. 2025, maintained condition):
- Audi A8 4.2 quattro (D2, 1994-1998): €19,000 → €12,000 (-36.8 %).
- Ford Mondeo ST 200 (1999-2000): €4,100 → €3,000 (-26.8 %).
- Porsche 928 GTS (1992-1995): €82,000 → €67,000 (-18.3 %).
It is important to note that this is not a „crash“, but market logic. Even the source emphasises that falling prices of individual models are no reason to panic; at the same time, they report fewer sales and lower prices on average compared to the previous year.
For experienced readers, this is a familiar message: buying a classic car is once again more of a „vehicle purchase“ and less of an „index bet“.
Table A: Qualitative price trends 2018-2025 for five youngtimer models
Transparency/Note: Exact, freely accessible time series 2018-2025 per model are usually only available in Germany via price guides or databases for a fee. Table A is therefore deliberately qualitative and is based on the overall DOX trend, Classic Analytics figures in the trade press (e.g. 2020-2025) and studies on the market shift.
Model (approximate years of manufacture) | Price dynamics 2018-2025 (qualitative) | Drivers | Risks/„predetermined breaking points“ |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series E36 (1990-2000) | strongly increasing, especially rare variants | Analogue driving experience, inline-six cult, better examples are rare | Rust/accident history, botched restoration; parts/electronics per motorisation |
| Mercedes W124 (1984-1996) | Significantly increasing for good saloons; coupé/T-model already high for some time | „Last real Benz“ narrative, durability, everyday classic | Rust, wiring harnesses/comfort electrics, workshop expertise; parts per model |
| Volvo 850 T5 (1991-1997) | strongly rising (good turbos) | 90s quality, engine character, estate car cult | Spare parts/electronics, „tinkering rate“; rare interior parts |
| Renault Twingo I (from 1993) | increasing, but strongly condition-dependent | Iconic design, low entry barriers, „first own car“ nostalgia | Rust, interior parts, sloppiness with cheap restorations |
| Audi A8 D2 (1994-1998) | Volatile to declining (example: correction) | Technical history (aluminium spaceframe), upper-class fascination | Expensive special repairs, electronics/comfort functions, accident/body repairs for specialists only |
Screws in transition age: parts, electronics, workshop knowledge
If the 2026 classic car boom has an Achilles heel, it is not „lack of enthusiasm“, but „lack of parts and brains“.
Spare parts: print if necessary - but please print wisely
A large spare parts study in the trade press describes: 21 % of classic car owners rate the availability of parts as „rather poor“ or „very poor“; for youngtimer owners, the figure is 16 %.
The workshop perspective communicated in the context of the Classic study is even clearer: Massive bottlenecks are described for electronic and body parts; the majority of garages take a critical view of the supply situation here.
3D printing is not a panacea, but it is a real lever - especially for small plastic parts, gear wheels, holders, bushings and housings. An industrial example shows how a vintage car spare part made of high-performance plastic was tested in use and showed no significant wear after many kilometres.
The decisive classic car rule remains: Not everything that can be printed makes sense in terms of authorisation or safety. But as a bridge for small parts that are no longer available, this is highly relevant for the 90s/2000s wave.
Electronics/OBD: Youngtimers are the „diagnostic frontrunners“
The 90s/2000s are the generation in which you can still get a long way with a multimeter - but not quite without an understanding of diagnostics. The Classic study names „repair and diagnosis of electronic parts“ as an explicitly relevant risk area.
And this is where the chaff separates from the screwdriver selfie: anyone who can read out error codes but doesn't understand why an earth point loves corrosion will quickly sink a lot of money into suspect parts.
Training gaps and transfer of expertise
The study clearly states that the shortage of skilled labour and knowledge transfer are among the key issues for the future.
But there are counter-movements: Vocational schools and guilds are establishing additional qualifications to systematically teach classic technology (without „everything by diagnostic plug“) again. An additional qualification in „old and youngtimer technology“ is documented at vocational schools; guilds are working on further development and formal anchoring.
Structured further training courses on the restoration of historic vehicle bodies (modular, with qualification) are also available.
New formats: Newcomer spaces, tours, social media - and the harsh reality behind them
The good news: young talent is not only being conjured up, it is being built in.
A good example is the young talent area at the Bremen Classic Motorshow, where young mechanics show how to get started on a budget - including live mechanic activities and practical tips.
And there are formats that are perfectly suited to 20-29-year-old vehicles: the ADAC Youngtimer Tours. It's not the last tenth that counts there, but the team, the route, the tasks - and the ironic look back to the 90s („Tamagotchi, Buffalos and ICQ“).
Table B: Support measures and initiatives for young talent
Measure/initiative | Carrier | Target group | Benefits for the scene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young talent area with live screwing & „beginner“ focus | Bremen Classic Motorshow | young newcomers, career changers | Low-threshold entry, visible mentoring, screwing as an experience |
| Youngtimer tours (20-29 years) | ADAC | Youngtimer drivers, teams, newcomers | Entry via driving fun & community; strengthens bond with 90s/2000s vehicles |
| Additional qualification „Old and youngtimer technology“ | Carl Schaefer School / vocational school model, flanked by guilds | Apprentices in the automotive sector | Systematic development of expertise beyond a pure diagnostic plug-in culture |
| Further development/modernisation of the additional qualification | Stuttgart Motor Vehicle Guild (kick-off meeting/training plan) | Training stakeholders, vocational schools | Scaling and quality framework: Qualification should be more broadly anchored |
| „Specialist for the restoration of historic vehicle bodies“ (modular) | Vehicle academy / HWK framework | Specialists, career changers, catering businesses | Professionalisation of car body restoration; completion/quality standard |
| Job profile „Restorer in the automotive engineering trade“ | Federal Employment Agency (BERUFENET) | Career starters, master craftsmen, companies | Clear career path & description of competences - important for recruiting young talent |
Kulturbrücke: „Your youth is also a classic“
Experienced classic car drivers often have a keen sense of authenticity: original condition, contemporary conversions, patina vs. overrestoration. This is precisely why a fair perspective on the 90s fraction is worthwhile:
The 90s/2000s enthusiasts are essentially doing the same thing as „the old ones“ before them - they are saving everyday culture from disappearing. The only difference is the soundtrack. And yes: sometimes it does seem strange when a Golf III VR6 or an E36 with fabric Recaros is parked next to a pre-war sheet metal dress. But for the new owners, this is their „back then“. And without this generation, the scene will later lack the workshop, the parts market, the next generation of club board members - in short: the future.
Three portraits from the field
Portrait: The E30 as a „mechanics school“
A 28-year-old owner of a BMW E30 (late model years) rarely comes for the return on investment. He comes because he „still wants to do something behind the wheel“ - and because the car functions as a learning platform: Chassis, brakes, rust prevention, electrics. What keeps him is mentoring - or lack thereof. And if it's missing, he'll be gone after the second bad purchase.
Portrait: Golf III - entry-level drug with everyday benefits
The Golf story is symbolic: the Classic study describes how the Golf has replaced the Beetle in terms of model popularity and is ahead in the „oldies charts“.
A 30-year-old Golf III driver often gets by with everyday life: cheap entry, lots of community knowledge, affordable repairs - until electrics/interior parts become scarce. Then the network decides.
Portrait: Honda S2000 - the „analogue performance“ magnet
The S2000 is cult because it embodies what many people are looking for today: high-revving, manual, pure. And it shows how strongly collector's logic can build up: Extreme values at auctions are documented when vehicles are exceptional.
For the normal owner, this is less „investment“, more „maintenance of a rare condition“ - and that requires parts knowledge and honest workshop partners.
What to do now
For clubs: You don't retain young talent with a „youth group“, but with genuine integration. Mentoring models (buying advice, screwdriver days, „tool driving licence“), shared parts pools and knowledge databases are more effective than any talk of tradition. The study warns that know-how transfer and parts supply are bottlenecks - clubs are natural hinges for this.
For organisers: programme items for the 90s/2000s are not a „side note“, but growth. Newcomer areas (as in Bremen) are effective because they don't lecture, but show.
For dealers: Transparency means promoting new talent. Those who honestly document conditions and openly address the reality of parts/electronics will win long-term customers - and reduce frustration from the scene.
For politicians/associations: Additional professional qualifications and further training in the restaurant industry are not a luxury, but a necessity. The initiatives already exist - they need to be scaled up and recognised because the Classic study highlights the shortage of skilled workers as a core problem.
At the same time, the topic of „repairability“ is important: If spare parts shortages are described as a decommissioning risk, then remanufacturing (including modern processes) and co-operative parts models are more than just scene nerd stuff.
Sources (German, without URLs)
- BBE/Classic Study 2025 (communicated via VDIK and trade press, incl. statements on over-60 demographics, new generation 90s/2000s, market stability, parts/skilled labour).
- German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA): Press release on the German Classic Car Index (DOX) 2025 (reference date 1 January 2025; +1.85 % in 2024; top/bottom spread).
- German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA): Press release DOX 2021 (reporting date 1 January 2021; development in 2020 despite the pandemic).
- VDA Annual Report 2018 (stock and index categorisation; historical context).
- auto motor und sport: „Oldtimer spare parts study 2025“ (assessments of parts availability for old/youngtimers).
- auto motor und sport: „These youngtimers have lost value“ (Classic Analytics values, correction examples).
- AUTOHAUS: „These youngtimers are going strong“ (Classic Analytics values, examples of winners).
- ADAC: Youngtimer tours (concept, target group 20-29 years, format description).
- Bremen Classic Motorshow: Information on the newcomer area/beginner formats.
- Carl-Schaefer-Schule / Additional qualification in classic and vintage car technology; reports on implementation.
- Kfz-Innung Stuttgart: Kick-off meeting for the further development of the additional qualification.
- Vehicle Academy / HWK: „Specialist for the restoration of historic vehicle bodies“.
- Federal Employment Agency (BERUFENET/Steckbrief): Restorer in the motor vehicle technician trade.
- igus: Practical examples of 3D-printed classic car spare parts/use of materials.