No matter whether it’s the VW Polo III, BMW E36 Compact or Ferrari 355 Berlinetta – some of them don’t seem that old yet, the next generation of classic cars. But next year many of these cars will actually be old enough to get an H license plate from the registration office. It is of course debatable how urgently some of the affected models should be preserved – because not all of them were beautiful even back then.
Some people would give the rating “Not beautiful, but rare” to the Ford Scorpio MK2, for example, which found few buyers in the 1990s because of its appearance. Or the Opel Tigra – another vehicle that takes some getting used to.
The last air Porsche and a VW classic
However, among the candidates for membership in the venerable club there are also real classics that need to be preserved. For example, the Porsche 911 Cabrio from the 993 series is getting old enough. And since the vehicle is the last air-cooled 911, the cars are already sought-after classics.
The same applies to the Ferrari 355 Berlinetta, which impressed with great driving characteristics despite a comparatively small engine and became a box office hit by Ferrari standards.
But it doesn’t always have to be an expensive sports car if you want a classic car: the Fiat Punto, which is very popular in Europe, is also 30 years old as a convertible, as is the first Toyota RAV4. If you want something very special, you could also look out for a VW Polo 6N – in the rare Harlequin edition, the car only has to wait a year before it becomes a classic car. The basic model will be ready in 2024.
What does an H license plate mean in Germany and how do you get it?
In order to obtain an H license plate for classic cars in Germany, you must obtain a report from a recognized inspector in accordance with Section 23 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, which confirms that the vehicle is at least 30 years old and is in well-preserved original condition. You then go to the admissions office with all the necessary documents.
An H license plate for classic cars in Germany brings with it a number of advantages, including the reduced vehicle tax of 191.73 euros per year, regardless of engine capacity or pollutant emissions. Vehicles with an H license plate are allowed to enter environmental zones without restrictions, even without a green sticker. Insurance companies also often offer special classic car rates that are cheaper than regular car insurance.
The vehicles shown in the gallery are by no means all the cars that will become classic cars in 2024 – the “Handelsblatt” recently published a long list.
Also read:
Pope with Lambo, Harry in the Potter Punto and oldie Jenner: Ten extraordinary cars owned by celebrities
Up to 26 million euros for a vehicle: these are some of the most expensive new cars in the world
Old School Cool: These “vintage cars” were among the fastest cars of the eighties