An unavoidable phenomenon of recent years, youngtimers are increasingly attracting the attention of collectors. As always, it is the French brands that are more popular, Peugeot arriving first. Find out which models are the most popular in France.
End of February 2022, The argus took stock of the favorite vintage cars of French collectors. This time, let’s look at the phenomenon that has been in vogue in recent years, that of youngtimers. The definition of the age of these autos can vary. According to the FFVE (French Federation of Vintage Vehicles), a youngtimer is between 20 and 29 years old, the maximum threshold before going into a collection. A third of the 400 000 collectors listed in France have one. But what are the most popular models? Overview of these cars that unleash passions.
>> The most popular youngtimers in pictures <<
Peugeot arrives first
The podium is once again occupied by our trio of French manufacturers. If Peugeot climbs on the third step of the podium of the favorite brands for vintage cars, it comes first among youngtimers. The Lion models are the most represented in the FFVE study with 14% market share. Considered the flagship car of the phenomenon, the 205 is one of the most popular “young cars”. Certainly the GTI is the most sought after, but we must not forget other equally nice versions such as the Roland-Garros, also available in a convertible. In 2021, 12,668 units of all versions changed hands.
Hervé Charpentier, director of the collections of the Peugeot Citroën DS Adventure Museum, underlines the rise in power of the 406 Coupé and 306. In its sports version S16, the latter is negotiated around 8,000 € and can even exceed 15,000 € for a low kilometer copy.
Renault and Citroën follow closely
Renault once again climbed to the second step of the podium. According to the FFVE survey, 12% of collectors own a car from the diamond brand. The manufacturer can count on essential models, such as the Superfive GT Turbo. The R21 is also making a name for itself among youngtimer enthusiasts, mainly in its sportiest Turbo version.
As far as Citroën is concerned, the manufacturer with chevrons represents 10% of the most popular brands among youngtimers. Launched 40 years ago, the BX returns to the front of the stage, helped by sportier versions GTI, 16S and Sport. The car was even entitled to an ultimate “4 TC” version, derived from the current model in Group B. Citroënists are also turning to the Xantia, its heir. Finally, let’s mention the XM. The comfort offered by the road and its hydropneumatic suspension called Hydractive are increasingly attractive.
And foreigners?
So as not to sound too chauvinistic, let’s take a look at foreign manufacturers. If the FFVE does not include them in its study, the report published by the specialist in insurance for collectibles Hiscox, in partnership with AAA Data, shows that the German brands arrive just after the French. Mercedes would thus be the preferred manufacturer, ahead of Porsche and BMW. If the brand with the star has many “young” models, one of them really stands out from the rest: the W124. The ancestor of the E-Class is very popular, thanks in particular to the myth of the 500 E manufactured by Porsche.
Moreover, the second manufacturer from Stuttgart can count on its 911 to ensure a presence among youngtimers. There is also the first generation Boxster (986). The two-seater roadster is very popular, but also very affordable. Finally, at BMW, the collector power is called E30. The second Series 3 of the name is more and more popular. Difficult today to get your hands on a copy in good condition under 10,000 €. Finally, like Porsche, BMW has an adored youngtimer roadster: the Z3.
On the same topic
- BMW. Which not (too) expensive models to start a collection?
- Used Mercedes. 15 old models that are worth seeing!
- Alfa Romeo. 10 models to buy to start a collection
- Peugeot. The 15 future collectors to buy urgently
- Renault. These collector’s models available from €2,500
- Citroen. 15 future collectors at prices (still) accessible
