No touchscreen, no lane-keep assist, but a steering wheel that still gives feedback and an engine you can hear instead of just reading about. Cars from the 80s and 90s are currently making a major comeback. What used to be simply "an old car" is now a Youngtimer, and for many, a true piece of lifestyle.
We'll show you what the term really means, why the scene is growing so rapidly, and which icons are currently at the top. And at the end, we'll tell you how to bring your favorite Youngtimer home even without a garage, certificate, or mechanic's bill.
What exactly is a Youngtimer?
The term is not legally defined. But in the scene, the rule is: A car is a Youngtimer if its first registration was at least 20 years ago, but it is not yet 30 years old. After that, things get officially interesting, because from 30 years on, a vehicle can get an H-plate and is then considered a classic car.
To get one, it must be largely in its original condition and well maintained. An officially recognized expert checks this in a classic car certificate under § 23 StVZO. The reward: a flat-rate vehicle tax of around 192 euros per year, regardless of how large the engine is. Youngtimers do not yet have such benefits. Here, it's simply about the love of cars.
Why Youngtimers are so popular right now
In Germany, millions of cars in the Youngtimer age are on the road, and exactly the generation that grew up with them can afford them today. On top of that, there is a young scene that grew up with social media, meets, and track days and is consciously looking for the "real" driving experience.
Youngtimers are often more practical and accessible than classic oldtimers, still technically manageable, and yet have enough character to spark conversations at every pit stop. Sporty models from the 80s and 90s are particularly in demand, whether from Munich or Japan.
The icons of the scene
BMW E30 M3: the race car for the road
Built from 1986 to homologate BMW in touring car racing, and extremely successful there, including in the DTM. Angular fender flares, a high-revving four-cylinder, and a look that everyone still recognizes today. The E30 M3 has long outgrown the Youngtimer age and is considered one of the most coveted collector icons of all.
BMW E36 Convertible: open 90s aesthetic
Clean lines, open top, and a car that embodies the summer of the 90s for many. The first E36 convertibles have now cracked the 30-year mark and are thus eligible for an H-plate. Well-maintained examples are becoming noticeably rarer.
→ View BMW E36 Convertible Silhouette
BMW E46 M3: the straight-six dream
For many, the most beautiful M3 of all time: muscular proportions, the free-revving straight-six cylinder, and a sound that gives you goosebumps. The E46 M3 is a Youngtimer straight out of a picture book and has surely secured its place as an icon of the 2000s.
Mazda MX-5 NA: driving fun in its purest form
Light, open, rear-wheel drive, and of course pop-up headlights. The first MX-5 came on the market in 1989 and triggered the roadster comeback. The MX-5 series is still the best-selling two-seater roadster in the world today, and the NA is a prime example that you don't need 500 hp for real driving fun.
→ View Mazda MX-5 NA Silhouette
Toyota Supra MK4: the JDM legend
Built from 1993 to 2002 and world-famous since the big screen at the latest. The heart is the legendary 2JZ straight-six cylinder, known for handling enormous power increases. Good originals are rare today and correspondingly coveted.
→ View Toyota Supra MK4 Silhouette
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34: Godzilla
All-wheel drive, twin-turbo straight-six, and technology that was ahead of its time. The R34 was never officially offered in Germany, which makes its cult status all the greater. For many JDM fans, it is simply the ultimate dream car.
→ View Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 Silhouette
And the real classics
Some cars have long left the Youngtimer phase behind and have become timeless legends.
Ford Mustang 1967: The fastback line, the V8 sound, the image of the American dream. The '67 Mustang is the epitome of the muscle car. → View Ford Mustang 1967 Silhouette
Ferrari F40: Introduced in 1987 for Ferrari's 40th anniversary and the last Ferrari that Enzo Ferrari himself blessed. Uncompromising, raw, and to this day one of the most iconic supercars ever. → View Ferrari F40 Silhouette
Why your Youngtimer belongs on the shelf
Let's be honest: Not everyone has room for an E30 M3 in the garage, and an F40 remains a dream for most. But you can still show your passion for it.
That's exactly why we have our minimalist silhouettes: matte black, detailed, and with the unmistakable lines of your favorite car. Whether on the desk, on the shelf, or in the display case, they are a subtle statement that every car fan recognizes immediately.
And the best part: You can replace the lettering on the base with your own text. For example, with the license plate of your own Youngtimer, the name your car has in the family, or the date you bought it. This turns decor into a memory.
👉 Discover all Youngtimers & Classics now
Which Youngtimer is your favorite, and which model is still missing from our collection? Feel free to write to us, we are excited!