Italians have always loved the automobile and Italy has been known throughout the world as the country of the car since time immemorial. This is also demonstrated by high-quality thematic events such as the Bologna Vintage Car and Motorcycle Show. How are things changing in this sector? Let’s see the results of a survey conducted by AutoScout24
On the occasion of the Bologna Vintage Car and Motorcycle Show, the AutoScout24 Study Center, partner of the event, analyzed the passion and preferences of Italians for vintage cars.
The results of this survey showed that for 54% of the sample, in fact, the passion for vintage cars, historical and youngtimers in Italy it is continuously growing.
Over nine out of ten are attracted to these cars and the most sought after brand from this point of view is undoubtedly Fiat. In the dreams of Italians anyway Alfa Romeo remains in first placea brand that has always stood out for the successful combination of sportiness and practicality in everyday use.
The Fiat 500 is the most searched vintage car in Italy, but Europeans prefer the Porsche 911
A constantly growing passion
If on the one hand Italians are looking for technological cars that are in step with the times, on the other in our country the taste for vintage always remains at the top: for 54% of the sample, in fact, the passion for vintage, historic and youngtimer cars in Italy is continually growing, and over nine out of ten are attracted to these cars.
Thought-provoking data coming from the AutoScout24 Study Center, partner of the Bologna Vintage Car and Motorcycle Show. This is an area of interest in Italy as many as 4.3 million vehiclesas reported in the 1st Report on the world of historic cars presented by ACI in 2023.
Specifically, we are talking about 388 thousand cars between 20 and 29 years old, having a value for quality, technical specifications or design. Added to these are the 3.9 million cars “over 30” which the legislation automatically considers historic cars.
Vintage cars: here are the latest trends
But how is the classic car market changing as a result of this growing interest? The vehicles mentioned are registered an average price increase of 9%, increasing the value of this market sector. Analyzing the searches on the AutoScout24 portal, in Europe the Porsche 911 is the most sought after model (but Mercedes-Benz is in first place as a brand), while Italy remains faithful to its Fiat 500, followed on the podium by the Volkswagen Beetle and the Lancia Fulvia, other icons of vintage motoring.
Off the podium but in the top 5 the Alfa Romeo Giuliawhich has always been one of the most sought-after cars by collectors.
The data emerging from the AutoScout24 survey confirms Italians’ passion for vintage, historic and youngtimer cars. Whether looking for a car to buy or taking an exciting virtual journey exploring classic models, interest in this sector transcends generations and is intertwined with the roots of an industry that has contributed significantly to define the image of our country globally.
Sergio Lanfranchi, AutoScout24 Study Center.
The Italian dream is signed by Alfa Romeo
But what is the classic car par excellence for Italians? For 46% of Italians over 45 the most coveted car is the Alfa Romeo Giuliafollowed by the GT chosen by 42% and the Lancia Fulvia by 30%.
However, if we ask the younger population, here it is the Lancia Delta rises to first place in the ranking, with 5 out of 10 Italians choosing her as the youngtimer par excellence. Followed by the Fiat 500 and the Porsche 911 which defeated 41% of young people.
Despite the ridiculous and tendentious obstacles to trafficthe difficulty of finding spare parts and the ever-increasing cost of specialized labor (which is also not always up to par…), vintage cars are coming back into vogue with an ever-growing interest. A passion that does not stop only at attention to fairs and exhibitions, but which extends to the investment in the purchase of a vintage vehicle or the project of restoring it.
Vintage cars: is the future at risk?
Owning a classic car is not just fun but also passion, culture and commitment. It is therefore reasonable that requests for tax breaks for owners and for those involved in their restoration are increasing, an element considered fundamental to preserve and promote this heritage according to 85% of the sample interviewed.
A good half of Italians then request a higher one education and awareness on the topic. But the real unknown that will determine the survival of an entire sector and its incredible related activities will be the usability of these means. It’s a shame to rage with eco-pretexts towards vehicles which, unlike stamps and collector’s paintings, have a physiological need to circulate periodically.
Vehicles that are used so sporadically and with such care that they yield their ecological footprint is almost irrelevant. Vehicles that represent us and our history. And as we know well, those who do not preserve their history have no future.
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