Guides and tips
Old love never dies: just the mention of ‘classic cars’ is enough to make car enthusiasts’ eyes light up. We’ll explain the difference between classic cars and modern classics, what you need to bear in mind when registering a classic car for an H-licence plate, and offer tips on insuring and maintaining your classic car.
The term ‘classic car’ refers to vehicles and trailers that were first registered for road use at least 30 years ago. This applies not only in Germany, but in all member states of the European Union. Furthermore, the vehicles must be in their original condition in all major components and be well maintained. Ultimately, they are to be preserved as cultural heritage in the field of motor vehicles for future generations.
If a vehicle has been in use on the roads for at least 20 years but is not older than 30 years, it is classified as a ‘youngtimer’. Requirements such as proof of original condition and good state of preservation are also the criteria for a youngtimer to be classified as such. Unlike the term ‘classic car’, this term is not defined by law.
In order for the vehicle to be recognised as a classic car, a classic car valuation report is required in accordance with Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). In this report, an officially recognised expert or test engineer officially classifies the vehicle as a classic car. The assessment covers the vehicle’s condition, maintenance and originality.
The main focus of the inspection is on whether the vehicle can be regarded as a ‘cultural asset of automotive engineering’. The vehicle’s aesthetics and technology must therefore correspond to a specific historical era that is to be preserved for posterity. It makes no difference whether the vehicle is a car, a motorbike, a lorry or a tractor. The decisive factor is that the date of first registration must be at least 30 years ago.
The relevant document is the ‘Guideline for the Assessment of Classic Cars in accordance with Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO)’, updated on 1 November 2011, issued by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV).
An inspection under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) includes:
Before a classic car is granted the coveted H-licence plate, an expert must declare it to be a ‘motor vehicle of cultural heritage’.
The following conditions under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) must be met:
In the case of very rare vehicles, it is helpful for our experts if documentation, manuals or brochures relating to the model are provided, as this makes it easier to verify its authenticity.
The vehicle may differ from the original in the following respects, provided that these modifications are also period-correct:
The modifications must have been carried out within the first 10 years of registration or be typical of that period. There are exceptions to every rule: catalytic converters or modifications to accommodate disabled passengers, for example, are permitted.
The vehicles and their modifications must, in all cases, be roadworthy and comply with the provisions of the StVZO. For example, original parts with sharp edges are not eligible for registration, despite their originality. If in doubt, please consult a TÜV NORD expert before the inspection.
Provided the classic car meets all the conditions, the report for classic car registration will be issued. With the classic car report in accordance with Section 23 of the StVZO, you can then apply to the vehicle registration authority for an H-licence plate for your historic vehicle.
There are various classification systems for categorising classic cars. These may be based either on the condition of the vehicle or on its age. One of the most common classification methods is that of the International Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FIVA), which is dedicated to the preservation of historic vehicles. It classifies the various classic cars into year-of-manufacture categories. In this way, they can be compared according to their technical development.
Would you also like to fulfil your dream of owning a classic car? Around 15 million people in Germany are interested in classic cars and motorbikes. If you’d like to bring a piece of history home to your garage, there are a few things you should bear in mind before buying a classic car. Find out more here about the make, model, maintenance, insurance and registration of your collector’s item.
Before you start looking for your dream car, you’ll inevitably need to consider your budget and what you’re looking for: How much money do you have to spend? Do you have a specific model in mind, and does it fit within your budget? How much time are you willing to invest in your car?
If you have a smaller budget and little time to devote to your classic car, we would advise against choosing a rare model. Due to the scarcity of spare parts, repairs are usually more time-consuming and expensive in such cases. If you have sufficient money and time, you can of course look for a rare model.
When choosing the right model, there’s no getting round the need for thorough and detailed research. For newcomers to the classic car scene in particular, the sheer variety of models can quickly become overwhelming. The best approach here is to search directly with the manufacturers or through so-called brand clubs. The latter offer the added advantage of allowing you to engage directly with other members.
Classic car clubs are also an excellent point of contact if you are looking for spare parts, information or tips on maintaining your classic car.
Once you’ve found the car of your dreams, the next step is to go and buy it. There are several places you can turn to when buying a classic car. As well as online marketplaces, it’s a good idea to visit a dealer. Attending a trade fair is also recommended.
Many classic cars are rarely equipped with anti-theft measures. For this reason, many insurance companies require the vehicle to be stored in a locked garage. This not only protects against theft, but also against the elements and damp, which helps to prevent rust.
An added bonus: spare parts and tools for restoration and repairs are kept in a safe, dry place. You can find further advice on how to properly store your pride and joy over the winter here.
As classic cars usually spend less time on the road than other cars, they are generally cheaper to insure. The cost of insurance for your vehicle can depend on various factors.
Generally speaking, the older the vehicle and the better its condition, the cheaper the premiums tend to be. If your classic car is of higher value and has a higher horsepower rating, the insurance may be correspondingly more expensive. Before taking out classic car insurance, have a classic car valuation report drawn up to document the value of your classic car. A brief valuation is sufficient for this purpose.
Models that aren’t too old are particularly suitable for newcomers to the classic car market, as this makes it easier to source spare parts. When buying your first classic car, it’s also advisable to invest a little more upfront to avoid frequent repairs. If necessary, take an expert with you to the dealer; they can offer helpful advice on the purchase and accompany you on the test drive.
There are various options for registering a classic car. Depending on whether you intend to use your pride and joy on a permanent basis in everyday life, seasonally, or only for a specific purpose – such as an event or a test drive – you can choose between an H-plate, a red plate or a seasonal plate.
The H-licence plate is a specific type of number plate that can be issued to vehicles of historical value that are over 30 years old. If you wish to use your classic car on a permanent basis in everyday life, you will need an H-licence plate. The H-licence plate can also be combined with a seasonal licence plate.
Nowadays, only car manufacturers and dealers, as well as classic car owners, can apply for a red number plate. The red 07 number plate is a permit that allows the following journeys:
The red number plate for classic cars is suitable for enthusiasts who have a collection and wish to drive the vehicles only rarely or display them at events.
Important: To obtain such a registration plate, you must have a classic car certificate in accordance with Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).
Advantage: You can use the red number plate on several vehicles.
However, before travelling abroad, you should check whether this type of number plate is recognised there.
If you only wish to use your classic car for a specific period of the year, a seasonal registration is recommended. The registration period can be between two and eleven months.
Advantages: there is no need to constantly register and deregister the vehicle, and tax is only payable for the selected registration period
Important: You must not drive the classic car outside the specified times. It must also be parked on private property.
Classic cars and safety standards
As classic cars are always built to the technical standards of their era, they often do not meet current safety standards, depending on their age. Before purchasing, find out whether it is possible to retrofit these safety systems.
Please note: There are certain retrofits that are mandatory for every classic car. These include anti-theft devices and key lighting components (e.g. indicators and reversing lights).
Voluntary retrofitting for greater safety
In addition to the mandatory retrofits, it is advisable to retrofit further safety systems. To minimise the risk of injury, for example, seatbelts should be installed. Optimising the vehicle’s electrical system is also advisable to improve the performance of the classic car’s electrical components. This also allows you to use modern gadgets, such as sat-navs or accident alert systems, without any problems. The use of external sat-navs or similar devices – via a suction cup mount, for example – is permitted. However, if the devices are permanently fitted to the vehicle, they must retain a period-appropriate appearance. Furthermore, modifications relating to disabled access and the catalytic converter are permitted.
Anyone who wants to or needs to restore their classic car will require spare parts. Finding spare parts can sometimes be very time-consuming. Classic car or make-specific clubs are a good place to start. Here, you can talk directly to other classic car enthusiasts and might even find what you’re looking for straight away. Car manufacturers and parts dealers are also good places to seek advice.
The aim of restoring a classic car is to preserve the vehicle’s original condition as closely as possible. This can also be important if the car is eventually sold, as it helps to increase its value. The scope of the restoration can vary greatly: from refurbishing individual parts, such as the speedometer, to a complete overhaul of the entire classic car.
The extent to which the historic vehicle needs to be restored depends both on the condition and age of the model, as well as on how it has been used.
To maintain the vehicle in the best possible condition, a thorough inspection of all key components should be carried out regularly:
must be kept under close watch. The engine should also be checked in advance for any faults. It is also advisable to check the MOT certificate before setting off to ensure that it has not expired.
Whether you’re out for a drive or attending classic car events – your collector’s item should look its best. To achieve this, thorough and regular care of the paintwork is essential. It all starts with the right car wash. Instead of putting your classic car through a car wash, you should wash it by hand to protect the paintwork.
Remove dirt using clean water and a gentle cleaning agent from a specialist retailer.
Microfibre towels are ideal for drying your classic car. To remove minor scratches from the paintwork, you can polish your vehicle after washing. It is best to remove any grease residues – such as car wax – beforehand using a suitable care product. A hard or liquid wax provides additional protection as a final step.
Important: Please bear in mind that cars must be washed at a designated car wash. This is because, to prevent groundwater contamination, cars cannot be washed just anywhere.
In the event of restoration or repair work, it is advisable to have a valuation report drawn up in order to provide comprehensive documentation of the repairs, maintenance and renovation work carried out.
To promote the preservation of historic cars, lorries and motorcycles, the H-licence plate was introduced in Germany in 1997.
The H-licence plate stands for ‘historical’ and is a specific type of number plate that can be issued to vehicles of historical value which were first registered at least 30 years ago. If you wish to use your classic car on a permanent basis in everyday life, you will need an H-licence plate.
Anyone wishing to register a vehicle as a classic car and obtain an H-licence plate must provide a classic car certificate in accordance with Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) for registration.
In addition, a valid general inspection (HU) and motor vehicle liability insurance for the vehicle are required. Once all these requirements are met, you will receive the H-licence plate for your classic car and the entry in the vehicle registration document.
If the vehicle is imported, you will need an additional full report in accordance with Section 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) for initial registration in Germany.
With an H-licence plate, driving in low-emission zones is permitted and lower tax and insurance premiums are available.
Even if a vehicle is registered with an H-licence plate, owners must still take it for a general inspection within the statutory inspection period. A valid general inspection certificate is a prerequisite for the H-licence plate.
As part of the general inspection, checks are also carried out to ensure that the criteria for an H-licence plate for classic cars are still met.
To register a vehicle with an H-plate, you will need to factor in additional costs on top of the registration fees, such as the classic car valuation report, the MOT test and the number plate:
