What Are Old Vintage Cars Called?

They’re most commonly called classic cars, but enthusiasts and official bodies use more precise terms such as veteran, Edwardian, vintage (1919–1930 in the British sense), post-vintage, antique, historic vehicle, and youngtimer. The right label depends on era, country, and the defining organization. Below, we break down what these names mean, how definitions differ internationally, and how to choose the correct term in conversation.

The key terms collectors and registries use

While “vintage” is often used casually to mean “old,” clubs and registries categorize older cars by specific periods and criteria. The following list outlines the most widely recognized labels and their typical meanings.

• Veteran: Earliest automobiles up to roughly 1904–1905 (UK usage), sometimes extended to 1906 in other systems.
• Edwardian: About 1905–1918 (UK), covering pre–World War I models after the veteran era.
• Brass Era: Roughly the 1890s–1915 (U.S. term), named for prominent brass fittings; overlaps veteran/Edwardian.
• Vintage: 1919–1930 inclusive (UK/European enthusiast usage, e.g., VSCC); strictly the post–WWI, pre-1931 period.
• Post-vintage (and Post-Vintage Thoroughbred): 1931–1945 (UK club usage), immediately following the vintage period.
• Pre-war: Built before World War II (commonly up to 1939 or 1945, depending on context).
• Post-war classic: Built after WWII through roughly the 1970s or early 1980s.
• Classic car: Broad, catch‑all term for older collectible cars; definitions vary by club and law.
• Antique: In the U.S., often 25+ years old (per AACA); elsewhere, sometimes 45+ years depending on legislation.
• Historic vehicle: Generally a legal/registration category for vehicles over a certain age (often 30 or 40 years) maintained in original condition.
• Youngtimer: Newer classics from roughly the 1980s–1990s (sometimes early 2000s), widely used in Europe.

These terms provide a shared vocabulary for age, style, and collectibility. When precision matters—auctions, clubs, or registration—using the correct period label avoids confusion.

How definitions differ by country and organization

United States

In the U.S., “classic” and “antique” are used broadly, but specifics vary. The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) treats “antique” as 25 years or older. The Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) reserves “Full Classic” for fine or distinctive cars built from 1915–1948. Many state DMVs offer “antique” or “historic” plates to vehicles typically 20–25+ years old, often with limited-use conditions (e.g., parades, exhibitions). Enthusiasts also use “Brass Era,” “pre-war,” and “post-war” to anchor cars historically.

United Kingdom and wider Europe

The UK uses era-specific labels: veteran (to 1904/5), Edwardian (1905–1918), vintage (1919–1930), and post‑vintage (1931–1945). For tax and registration, the DVLA’s “historic vehicle” class is on a rolling 40‑year basis—each April, vehicles more than 40 years old on January 1 typically qualify for historic status. Across Europe, the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) defines a historic vehicle as one at least 30 years old, preserved in historically correct condition, and not used as everyday transport. Germany designates “Oldtimer” status (H‑plate) for vehicles 30+ years old in largely original condition; France offers a “carte grise de collection” for vehicles 30+ years old; Spain’s “vehículo histórico” typically requires 30+ years plus inspection/certification.

Below is a quick reference to common legal/club thresholds in major markets; always check current local rules before relying on them.

• UK (DVLA): Historic vehicle class—rolling 40 years old.
• FIVA (international): Historic vehicle—30+ years, historically correct, not daily-use.
• Germany: Oldtimer (H plate)—30+ years, good original condition.
• France: Carte grise de collection—30+ years, specific criteria and advantages.
• U.S. (varies by state): Antique/historic plates—often 20–25+ years, limited-use rules.
• Australia (state-based): Historic/club rego—commonly 25–30+ years, club membership and usage limits.

Because eligibility, tax status, and use restrictions differ widely, the same car might be “historic” in one country and simply a “classic” in another.

Related jargon you might hear

Classic-car culture comes with its own vocabulary. The following terms often appear in sales listings, shows, and club discussions.

• Barn find: Long-stored, recently discovered car—often original but needing recommissioning.
• Survivor: Unrestored, largely original vehicle in usable condition.
• Numbers‑matching: Major components (engine, transmission) match the car’s original build records.
• Restomod: Classic body with modernized mechanicals or amenities.
• Concours: Show standard—restored or preserved to near-perfect, period-correct condition.
• Patina: Honest aging—original finishes showing wear without heavy restoration.
• Youngtimer: Emerging classic from the 1980s–1990s (sometimes early 2000s), increasingly collectible.

Knowing these terms helps decode value, originality, and the intended use of a car—key for buyers and sellers.

Practical guidance: what to call a car in conversation

If you’re unsure which label fits, these simple rules of thumb will keep you accurate in most contexts.

1. Use “classic car” as a safe, general term when age and collectibility are the main point.
2. Reserve “vintage” for 1919–1930 in UK/European enthusiast settings; in casual U.S. English, clarify if you mean “older classic.”
3. Check local rules or club standards (DVLA, FIVA, CCCA, AACA) when discussing legality, registration, or event eligibility.
4. For 1980s–1990s icons, “youngtimer” is increasingly accepted, especially in Europe and at auctions.

These conventions respect both enthusiast precision and everyday usage, preventing misunderstandings about age and status.

Examples by era

These examples illustrate how well-known models fit into commonly used categories.

• Veteran/Edwardian/Brass Era: 1903 Cadillac Model A; 1907 Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghost.
• Vintage (1919–1930): 1921 Bentley 3 Litre; later Ford Model T examples from 1919–1927 are “vintage” in UK usage.
• Post‑vintage/pre‑war: 1936 Bugatti Type 57; 1932 Ford V‑8.
• Post‑war classics: 1954–63 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL; 1961–74 Jaguar E‑Type; 1960s Ferrari 250 series.
• Later classics and youngtimers: 1970 Datsun 240Z; 1986–91 BMW E30 M3; 1993–2002 Toyota Supra (A80/A90 lineage note: A80 is 1993–2002).

Seeing specific cars in their historical context makes it easier to apply the correct terminology.

Bottom line

People often call old cars “classic,” but in enthusiast and legal contexts the labels are more specific: veteran and Edwardian for the earliest cars, vintage for 1919–1930 (UK/Europe), post‑vintage and pre‑war through the 1930s, post‑war classics from the late 1940s onward, antiques typically 25+ years old in the U.S., historic vehicles at 30–40+ years in many jurisdictions, and youngtimers for 1980s–1990s models. When in doubt, “classic car” is accurate in everyday conversation, and local club or registry definitions provide the authoritative cutoff points.

Summary

Old “vintage” cars are broadly called classic cars, but precise terms vary by era and region: veteran/Edwardian (pre‑1919), vintage (1919–1930), post‑vintage/pre‑war (1931–1945), post‑war classics, antiques (often 25+ years in the U.S.), historic vehicles (commonly 30–40+ years under FIVA/DVLA), and youngtimers (1980s–1990s). Use “classic” generically, and consult local club or legal standards when you need a definitive classification.

What are 25 year old cars called?

A 25-year-old car can be called a classic car by some definitions, as many organizations consider vehicles 20 years or older to be in this category. However, some might also call it a vintage car, as a car that is at least 25 years old also fits this description in some classifications. The exact term can vary depending on the collector’s community and the specific criteria they follow. 
Terms for Older Cars 

• Classic Car: A car that is at least 20 years old but not yet 45 years old.
• Vintage Car: Defined by some as being 25 years or older.
• Antique Car: A vehicle that is at least 45 years old.

Why the Terms Matter
These distinctions are important for collectors and hobbyists for various reasons, including:

• Insurance purposes: Policies for classic and antique cars often differ from those for modern vehicles. 
• Car shows and clubs: Specific categories are used to organize and judge vehicles at events. 
• Registration and taxes: Some regions offer special plates or tax benefits for cars that meet certain age criteria. 

What are old vintage cars called?

We have listed all three and their generally agreed-upon ages below: A vintage car is one that was manufactured between 1919 and 1930. An antique car is any car manufactured in 1975 or earlier (older than 45 years old). The classic car is a vehicle manufactured in the 1990s or earlier (at least 20 years old).

What is the word for old classic car?

Vintage car
Vintage car. A vintage car is, in the most general sense, an old automobile, and in the narrower senses of car enthusiasts and collectors, it is a car from the period of 1919 to 1930, Either a “survivor” or one that has been fixed up according to the original manufacturer’s instructions.

What do people call their old cars?

Old car nicknames include both derogatory terms like hooptie, jalopy, and clunker for poorly maintained vehicles, as well as popular, often endearing names for specific models, such as the Tin Lizzie for the Ford Model T, the Beetle for the Volkswagen Type 1, and the Godzilla for the Nissan GT-R.
 
Derogatory Nicknames
These terms are generally used for cars that are old, in poor condition, or unreliable: 

• Hooptie/Hoopty: A slang term for a decrepit or low-quality car. 
• Jalopy: A car that is old, worn out, and of poor quality. 
• Clunker/Rattletrap: A noisy, rickety, and unreliable car. 
• Bomb: An old, decrepit, and often unreliable car. 
• Beater: A car that is old, in bad shape, and used for everyday purposes. 
• Rust Bucket: A vehicle that is heavily corroded and falling apart. 

Model-Specific Nicknames
These nicknames refer to particular car models, often due to their design, performance, or history: 

• Tin Lizzie/Old Liz: A nickname for the Ford Model T, which became popular after a rugged, stripped-down Model T was entered into a hill climb race in 1922. 
• Beetle/Bug: Nicknames for the Volkswagen Type 1, referring to its distinctive rounded shape. 
• Deuce and a Quarter: A nickname for the Buick Electra 225, derived from its 225-inch length. 
• Godzilla: A nickname for the Nissan GT-R, given by an Australian car magazine after the car’s impressive performance in motorsports. 
• Clown Shoe: A nickname for the BMW Z3 Coupe, given for its unusual, clown-shoe-like appearance. 
• Iron Pig: A nickname for the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55, reflecting its rugged, heavy-duty nature. 
• Catfish: A nickname for the refreshed fourth-generation Camaro because its front fascia resembled the bottom-feeding fish. 
• Goat: A nickname for the Pontiac GTO, reflecting its powerful performance.