Differing trends

25 March 2025

There is plenty of news at the moment about the automotive industry as a whole struggling. With rising prices across the board, from purchasing to learning to drive, as well as greater focus on other forms of personal mobility, it’s widely reported that young people simply aren’t interested in cars.

But what about the classic vehicle industry? Although part of the automotive sector, the industry plays by its own rules to a degree; mainly because classic vehicles are considered a hobby to many, rather than an essential means of transport.

Differing trends
Repeated reports indicate that the number of young drivers – those in Generation Z – learning to drive is falling. Compared to 35 years ago, half as many 17-20 year olds hold a full driver’s licence.

Whether this is because of rising lesson costs, improved urban mobility systems, a lack of interest in driving, or a blend of all the above, one thing is clear; driving is not as ‘crucial’ to the younger generation as it was to previous ones. Which, for those who are interested in cars, seems bizarre; but the facts don’t lie.

It’s not quite as open and shut as that however. As reports show that as many as half of those Gen Z’ers would consider owning a classic vehicle. That’s higher than the 35 per cent of Millennials – the generation above.

Courtesy StarterMotor

Why the boost for classics?
There are a couple of key elements that need to be considered when looking at interest in classic vehicles with younger drivers. One is that the vehicles themselves can be more accessible. While used car prices continue to rise, entry-level classics have remained fairly stable.

And of course, that accessibility continues to working on them. Modern vehicles have too many electronic systems and inaccessible mechanical designs to fix a number of potential issues. With the more analogue nature of classics, they can be repaired and maintained with a reasonable selection of tools and basic knowledge easily.

But crucially, no matter whether the classics in question are an old, tatty Vauxhall Astra or a pristine Aston Martin DB4, it’s the community element that looks to be the biggest boost.

Classic car drivers tend to be a friendly bunch to fellow classic fans, and that works at a top level – all classics – and in microcosms. It might be British classics, 2CVs, Volvo estates, or Italian exotica… if you buy one, you have a number of friends you have yet to meet instantly.

It’s something we see time and again at our Footman James Coffee & Chrome Collective events. Young drivers and owners are a key number of those who attend, and that’s across the financial spectrum. We see restored sports cars or loved family hatchbacks with plenty of patina, and everything in between.

Courtesy StarterMotor

‘Grass-roots’ encouragement
Although the outlook is encouraging, it would be wrong for the industry to rest on its laurels. And there is help available from a variety of sources. One such is Starter Motor, a charity that teaches younger drivers how to drive and maintain classic vehicles. Classic vehicle bodies such as the Young Retro Motor Club encourage ownership and offer advice, while most owners’ clubs will engage with younger members, looking to keep fresh blood in the associations.

Often young classic owners are brought into the industry through connections with family or friends. And following the classic principle of sales – ‘get the merchandise into hands’ – many drivers will be hooked.

So although things are currently promising, the future’s certainly bright; and with our help, it will stay that way.

Courtesy StarterMotor