More and more classic cars are on the road on German roads.
A total of 660,520 vehicles with vintage status were registered with the Federal Motor Transport Authority on January 1, 2021, the most recent reference date for this survey.
By far the largest group among them were the cars with 584,509 oldies.
If the development of the past few years continues, then a number of oldtimers will be added in the new year.
Simply because some types of the age groups that are now reaching the official retirement age are particularly robust and reliable from a technical point of view.
The long-term runners from back then include models from Audi and Mercedes, rather less vehicles from Opel and VW. The latter has, among other things, to do with the manufacturers' massive cost-cutting programs. They demanded vendor parts at ever lower prices - and often received inferior quality in return.
The 1992 vintage, which will gradually become ripe for classic car status from January 1st, primarily offers automotive home-style cooking and just a few special features. These included the BMW M3 of the E36 series, which had a 3-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, a unit in which variable camshaft control was used for the first time in the world at that time. The engine was also introduced for the first time (from 1994) in a four-door M3 sedan. The third generation of the Mazda RX-7 rotary engine sports car is also a specialty, including the Maserati Ghibli designed by designer Marcello Gandini and the brutal Viper sports car, which was sold by the US brands Chrysler and Dodge.
By the way, for a car to officially become a classic car, it is not just a prerequisite that it was first registered at least 30 years ago. In addition, the car must "largely correspond to the original condition" and be in good condition. Only then can it be ensured that this model will be used to maintain the cultural property of motor vehicles, as stated in the provisions of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance. If a vehicle fulfills these requirements, it can be recognized as a classic car according to Paragraph 23 of the StVZO. If the owner so wishes, he can get an H-license plate (history license plate) for this vehicle.
Vehicles with an H license plate are allowed to enter environmental zones despite the mostly poor exhaust gas cleaning.
A flat vehicle tax rate of 191.73 euros per year applies to them.
In addition, some insurance companies offer lower rates for cars with H license plates.
An overview of which cars can count on these discounts from 2022 can be found here: