Passing the Torch: Why Supporting the Younger Generation’s Love for Cars — Both Classic and New — Matters More Than Ever

There's a special kind of magic that happens when you see a young person's face light up at the sight of a beautifully restored classic Mustang or hear the distinctive rumble of a performance engine echoing through a car show. As a grandfather, nothing warms my heart more than watching my own grandson's eyes grow wide with wonder around these machines. That spark — that mutual love of cars, whether they're 60-year-old icons or today's cutting-edge performance and technology marvels — is something we must actively nurture.

Recent data confirms this passion is thriving among younger generations. According to Hagerty’s 2024 “Future of Driving” survey, 60% of Gen Z drivers expressed interest in owning a classic car — nearly double the 31% of Baby Boomers who said the same. Younger enthusiasts aren't abandoning car culture; they're embracing it in their own way, blending nostalgia for “youngtimers” (think 1980s and 1990s icons like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota Supra, or Nissan Skyline) with appreciation for modern builds, restomods, and the driving experience itself.

Why This Matters: More Than Just a Hobby

Our love of automobiles is about far more than transportation or status. It's about heritage, craftsmanship, community, and personal freedom. Classic cars connect us to pivotal moments in history and design. Modern performance cars represent innovation, engineering excellence, and the thrill of driving today — many of which will become the classics of tomorrow.

When we support young enthusiasts:

• We preserve automotive history and skills — mechanical knowledge, restoration techniques, and storytelling through provenance and condition.
• We build lasting communities that bridge ages, countering digital isolation with real-world connection at shows, club meets, and wrenching sessions.
• We secure the future value of the vehicles we cherish. Well-documented, properly maintained cars hold their worth — and their stories — for the next generation.
• We create family legacies. Some of my most meaningful moments involve sharing this passion across generations.

In Colorado's vibrant car scene — from the Front Range to the mountain roads — this culture runs deep. Events like Colorado Cars & Coffee, the Northern Colorado Mustang Car Club gatherings, Vail Concours, and countless local shows bring together everyone from lifelong collectors to wide-eyed newcomers.

The Challenges — And How We Overcome Them

Young people today face real hurdles: high costs of entry, the intimidation factor of older vehicles (specialized parts, maintenance knowledge), busy lives, and sometimes a perception that classics are only for older generations. Modern cars can feel anonymous or overly computerized compared to the character of older machines.

The good news? Many are finding entry points through affordable youngtimers, project cars, online communities that lead to in-person friendships, and inclusive events. Car clubs that adapt — offering associate memberships, welcoming all vehicle types (new and classic), and creating family-friendly atmospheres — are seeing success in attracting the next wave.

How We Can All Make a Difference

Supporting the next generation doesn't require a huge budget or expert credentials. It starts with intentional inclusion:

1. Bring them along. Take your kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews to car shows and club events. Let them sit in the driver's seat (safely), ask questions, and feel the excitement.
2. Share knowledge generously. Whether it's explaining why a particular model matters historically, teaching basic maintenance, or discussing how proper documentation protects value, your experience is invaluable.
3. Support inclusive clubs and events. Advocate for and participate in gatherings that celebrate both classic icons and modern performance cars. Diversity in vehicles and ages makes the community stronger.
4. Document the story. This is where my work at BP Auto Appraisals comes in. A professional, USPAP-compliant appraisal does more than assign a number. It creates a detailed record of condition, history, originality, and market context. For families, this documentation helps preserve a vehicle as a true legacy asset — whether it's a cherished classic being passed down or a modern performance car you're building memories with today. When insurance disputes, estates, or sales arise, that professional record protects everyone involved and honors the car's journey.

As someone who appraises antique, classic, exotic, modern, and restomod vehicles every day — and who has the privilege of serving as an expert witness in court on vehicle values — I see how proper valuation and education empower owners of all ages to make confident decisions.

A Personal Call to Action

The future of our car culture isn't just in the hands of the next generation — it's in how we welcome them today. I've been fortunate to sponsor events, judge shows, speak at club gatherings, and build relationships across Colorado's enthusiast community. Every time I see a young person restoring their first car or a family making memories at a show, I'm reminded that this hobby has incredible staying power when we invest in it intentionally.

So here's my invitation:

• Bring a young person to the next Colorado Cars & Coffee or local club meet.
• If you're considering buying, selling, insuring, or passing down a vehicle that matters to your family, let us help document its story accurately and professionally.
• Share your passion — the road is much more enjoyable when traveled together.

Our cars tell stories. The greatest story we can write is one where that passion continues for decades to come, with fresh hands on the wheel and new voices joining the conversation.

Let's keep the flame alive — for the classics we love, the new machines exciting today's drivers, and the generations still to come.

Burke Payne Founder & Lead Appraiser BP Auto Appraisals LLC 8751 W 64th Pl, Arvada, CO 80004 (720) 295-0108 | www.bpautoappraisals.com

Specializing in USPAP-compliant appraisals for classic, collector, modern, exotic, and custom vehicles — including diminished value, total loss, pre-purchase, estate, and insurance support across Colorado and beyond.

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