Motor Klassik Spezial - 02/2024

The Motor Klassik Special Auto & Money 2024, priced at €12.80 for 148 pages, currently assesses the costs of service for 30 typical classic and youngtimer cars. Whether it's the Ford Knudsen-Taunus, the Mercedes 500 SL/SL 500 from the R 129 series, or the VW Bus T3, the publication provides clear insights into their maintenance expenses, the costs of upkeep, and the potential expenses involved in repairs. The detailed list of repair prices for each model also reflects its typical weaknesses, such as timing belt changes for the Ferrari V8 models 328 and 348, the replacement of timing chains and guide rails in the Mercedes S-Class W 140, or the installation of a new clutch in a transaxle Porsche from the 968 series. In total, 1,800 prices for service are listed, along with extensive lists of recommended specialist workshops for each of the 30 models and specific information regarding the availability and costs of spare parts.

Overall, nearly all 30 models perform very well in terms of technical maintenance costs, thanks in part to relatively low annual mileage and the careful owner status during gentle use. Driving classic cars is thus as enjoyable as it is affordable, and it is not merely an extravagant hobby for the wealthy, as often stereotypically portrayed in the daily press. Many insurance companies offer particularly favorable rates for classic cars, youngtimers, and younger enthusiast vehicles of special classes. A complete overview in the magazine clarifies the confusion surrounding premiums in the fine print. The extensive service catalog for 30 representative models from the classic car scene is complemented by entertaining reports that encourage DIY repairs, emphasizing that money isn't everything, as the sentimental value of a long-term car relationship also matters, and illustrating how driving classic cars enriches life's happiness in the truest sense.