Classic cars are more popular than ever in Germany. This is the case despite Corona or the fact that they usually drive with not exactly clean internal combustion engines – after all, the scrap metal is rarely used as an everyday vehicle. Figures show that the popularity curve has been pointing upwards for years.
According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg (KBA), a total of 660,520 vintage cars with and without historical license plates were registered as of January 1, 2021, including trucks, buses and vehicle trailers and 584,509 cars alone. An increase of eleven percent compared to the previous year. According to ADAC figures, the number of vintage cars was still 211,000 in 2011.
“Entering the classic car hobby does not have to be expensive, because the market offers well-preserved classics for a few thousand euros,” says the ADAC. Anyone planning a purchase should set their budget, obtain information on the spare parts situation, estimate the maintenance costs and ensure that the car is original.
Because only if they are largely in their original condition, oldies receive a corresponding report in accordance with Paragraph 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), which organizations such as Tüv, GTÜ or Dekra issue and which enable them to be approved as historical vehicles with H-plates. The flat-rate vehicle tax is then 191 euros per year and is usually a saving, except for vehicles with a small cubic capacity.
Insurance companies offer comparatively cheap classic car policies. Owners of classic cars tend to drive little and handle their car with care. However, the H license plate is not an insurance policy for an oldie policy, which some companies also offer for younger vehicles.
In any case, the replenishment of new models that are over the age threshold of 30 years does not come to a standstill. New ones are added every year. These seven models are among the types that, depending on their state of preservation, will achieve classic car status in the course of 2022 (price estimates by Classic Data in Bochum).
Jetta successor VW Vento
The new name didn’t bring a breath of fresh air to sales either. Like its predecessor, the Jetta, and its successor, the Bora, the Vento remained a slow seller. The concept of the notchback Golf was far more popular in other parts of the world.
Exclusively built as a four-door model, a VR6 with 128 kW / 174 PS worked under the hood in addition to common VW engines. In contrast to the Golf III, the front headlights were not round but square headlights.
Price for a Vento 1.8 with 66 kW / 90 PS in condition 2: 2800 euros (condition 3: 1600 euros).
It looks like a Golf with a trunk lid, but with a VR6 engine, a VW Vento can turn from a humble man into an arsonist
Source: dpa-tmn / Volkswagen AG
Porsche competitor Mazda RX-7
Folding headlights, compact body and biturbo charging – Mazda’s RX-7, the third and last generation of the German market in 1992, is not just a sought-after model. It is also a veritable sports car that can hold a candle to some Porsches.
The lively rotary engine with 176 kW / 239 PS from 1.3 liters peppers the light two-seater in a good five seconds to 100 km / h, at 250 km / h is over. The model, which is 4.30 meters long and 1.23 meters flat, was available until 1996.
Price in state 2: 29,700 euros (3: 18,200 euros).
The first copies of the third generation of the Mazda RX-7 will soon be movable with H-plates
Source: dpa-tmn / Mazda
Ford Scorpio Tournament – Cheaper than a Mercedes
The hatchback and notchback sedan of Ford’s large passenger car had been part of the range as the successor to the Granada since the 1980s. With the facelift in 1992, the station wagon tournament followed.
A competitor of the Mercedes T model, only cheaper, but with standard level control. Behind the flap was a capacity of 500 liters, which could be expanded to 1,600 liters with the rear seat folded down.
Price for a Scorpio tournament with 88 kW / 120 PS DOHC two-liter gasoline engine in condition 2: 3100 euros (3: 1600 euros).
We don’t know what was going on in the factory photographer’s head when he staged the Ford Scorpio tournament like this. At least the station wagon, if not the whole lady, could at least w…ohl swallow their horn
Source: dpa-tmn / Ford
Luxus-Convertible Aston Martin Steering Wheel
The taillights are reminiscent of the VW Scirocco, the front headlights were the same as those installed in the Audi 200. But when the luxury convertible was built, Aston Martin belonged to Ford. Under US aegis, the ailing British carmaker was supposed to get back on its feet.
The open version of the Virage GT with a stiffened body was designed as a 2 + 2-seater, a fabric hood functioned as a part-time roof, and the interior was handcrafted as befits its standing. The power pin under the long bonnet was a V8 engine with a displacement of 5.3 liters.
Price for a Virage Volante with 228 kW / 310 PS in condition 2: 68,000 euros (3: 48,000 euros).
The Aston Martin Virage Volante was created under the aegis of Ford and should not be one of the very hot contenders for the title of the brand’s most legendary model
Source: dpa-tmn / Aston Martin
Almost 250 km / h – the Audi S4 V8 Quattro
As the successor to the Audi 200 Quattro 20V, the first S4 with an already powerful five-cylinder appeared in 1991. In 1992 the eight-cylinder went a step further: the S4 V8 Quattro drew 206 kW / 280 hp from a displacement of 4.2 liters and put up to 400 Newton meters of torque on the road.
Top: just under 250 km / h – the fastest among the sports derivatives of the A4 with road approval. The model was built as a notchback and station wagon until 1994.
Price in state 2: 16,500 euros (3: 10,500 euros).
Avanti, Avanti: You can follow this quickly in the Audi S4 Avant, because the V8 has enough power for it
Source: dpa-tmn / company archive of Audi AG
Open-hearted speedster – the Honda CRX del Sol
In 1992 a well-known coupé, the VW Scirocco, was discontinued. Honda, on the other hand, refined the third generation of its model in the small sports segment and brought a Targa version of the CRX based on the Civic.
The del Sol’s removable hardtop could be stowed in the trunk. In addition, the rear window could be retracted, but the roll bar remained. The model was offered with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder in two expansion stages of 92 kW / 125 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS.
Price for a CRX del Sol ESi with 92 kW / 125 PS in condition 2: 6800 euros (3: 4000 euros).
As a del Sol model, the Honda CRX had a removable Targa roof
Source: dpa-tmn / Honda
The sporty BMW M5 Touring
In 1988 the second generation of the M5, the sophisticated version of the 5 Series with racing genes, was launched. In 1992 a facelift followed. The output of the six-cylinder in-line engine increased to 250 kW / 340 hp from 3.8 liters. And the sedan was accompanied by the Touring station wagon.
The nimble loadmaster needed 5.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km / h. It was electronically limited at 250 km / h. Only 891 copies left the factory in Garching, unit price 123,000 D-Marks. Today the first station wagon from BMW M GmbH is a sought-after classic with exotic status.
Price for an M 5 Touring (E34 / 5S) in condition 2: 43,500 euros (3: 24,900 euros).
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