London Concours 2025: Why The Youngtimers Class Thrilled Car Enthusiasts

The London Concours once again charmed automotive enthusiasts. In 2025, a captivating new category took centre stage: “The Youngtimers.” This class celebrated cars from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. These vehicles had become highly sought-after. They blended modern performance with classic appeal. They represented a sweet spot for collectors and drivers alike.

Youngtimers offered a unique blend. They possessed contemporary driving dynamics, yet retained a distinct analogue feel. Many of these cars had been heroes of their day, and they still carried significant cultural impact. They connected generations of car lovers. The London Concours provided a perfect platform, showcasing these future classics.

The impressive lineup featured ten cars that represented the very best of the Youngtimer era. Each one held a special place in motoring history.

1989 Porsche 911 Turbo SE Flachbau

Inspired by the 911-derived Le Mans cars, a stream of customers sought to replicate the streamlined look with their road models.

From 1981-88 you could order a 911 Turbo with a flat nose (flachbau), and 50 were built for the UK with an uprated 330bhp engine and a four-speed manual’ box. In ’89, it was available as a factory model rather than to special order, and called the Turbo SE. It had an upgraded five-speed G50 ‘box, dual-exit exhaust and limited-slip differential.

This is one of just 15, and one of seven right-hand drive cars. Originally a press demonstrator, it was painted the Sonderwunsch colour Minerva Blue, with white Fuchs wheels.

In 1997 it was acquired by David Jones, inventor of the Grand Theft Auto games series, and it remained in his collection for a decade.

The car has been with the current owner since 2017. It’s never been restored, and remains entirely original at 26,000 miles.

1994 Alpina B10 4.0 E34

The M30 straight-six nad been a stalwart of Alpina’s upgrade regimen for nearly a decade, but when BMW ceased making it Alpina chose to go the V8 route.

The B10 4.0 was, along with the 7-Series-based B11, the brand’s first V8.

Alpina fitted higher-compression Mahle pistons, a modified intake and a reprogrammed Motronic ECU, giving 315bhp and higher torque.

Either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto ‘box were available, and the car had Bilstein suspension, a new front spoiler and Alpina alloys. Just 49 were built, each capable of 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds.

The owner found this B10 in a field, where it had been left for 15 years. It turned out to be one of two right-hand-drive UK examples. Seven years ago he started a restoration with new panels, floors and everything rebuilt.

1993 Porsche 964 3.3 Turbo

Having ditched plans for a 911 Turbo replacement for economic reasons, Porsche instead introduced this model as the flagship for the new-for-1989 964 era. It used a revised version of the outgoing 930 Turbo’s proven mechanicals, and produced 320bhp.

This particular car had a bare-metal respray by Southam Bodies in 2020, and a complete engine rebuild carried out by Northway Porsche in 2024. Modifications included a bigger turbo, upgraded wastegate, Cargraphic exhaust, Bilstein suspension, RS Style door cards, three-spoke RS steering wheel and an RS rear screen.

1980 BMW M3 Cabriolet (E30)

With just 786 made, the M3 E30 drop-top is one of the rarest BMW M cars. The standard model was a touring car legend, but in order to homologate ever more potent racing versions, it needed to sell in large numbers.

A Cabriolet helped swell its popularity; top-down, it allowed even more enjoyment of the engine shrieking to 7250rpm. It could hit 60mph in less than 8.0 second sprint on to 149mph. It was the first roofed M car, and while it’d sell in only limited numbers, all subsequent M3 eras have had a convertible version.

This car has covered just 7500 miles. Finished in Macau Blue metallic over grey Nappa leather, it was supplied by BMW main dealer Schmoldt & Axmann in Germany.

1995 Audi RS 2 Avant

The RS 2 was born of Ferdinand Piech’s desire for a potent estate. The 80 Avant-based RS 2 was built on the same Porsche line that had sired the 959. Audi’s five-cylinder 20v turbo motor was fitted with a larger turbocharger, beefed-up intercooler, higher-flow injectors, new camshaft, freer-flowing induction and exhaust, and revised ECU, resulting in 311bhp.

The RS 2 had Porsche-developed brakes and suspension, along with 4WD, and it delivered 0-60mph in 4.8sec and 163mph. Its 1.5sec 0-30mph time was faster than a McLaren F1’s. This particular car was acquired from the first German owner, and it remains original other than lower suspension and custom mats.

1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL AMG

What could you do if the accomplished S-Class exec express wasn’t quite fast enough? Give it to AMG. With just 50-100 being built, these conversions were very rare. The focus was the reworked 6.0-litre M117 V8, which had 385bhp and 410lb ft of torque.

AMG also upgraded the cooling, ‘box and diff, and offered stiffer and lower suspension, reinforced subframes and bushings, bigger brakes and heavy duty dampers.

Suitably equipped, it could hit 60mph in around 5.0 seconds and 180mph-plus – faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo or Ferrari Testarossa, but with luxury-imbued seating for four.

1987 Audi UR-Quattro

With its huge impert on both rallying and how we perceive high-performalco cars, few models upset the apple cart quite like this Audi.

Its sure-footed 4×4 drive helped the 197bhp 2.1-litre UR-Quattro hit 60mph in 7.1 seconds and 137mph. Soon every maker from Ford to Ferrari was experimenting with four-wheel drive…

The current owner has had this car since 1993. It was first used by a ‘rapid response’ doctor – hence its four-point harness. In 2005 it was restored and upgraded with a high-lift camshaft and gas-flowed head, while the Mitsubishi ECU was fettled to allow 2 bar of manifold turbo pressure. It now makes just under 300bhp.

1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

The legendary Lotus Carlton had the performance of a Testarossa, but with four doors, a big boot and a Vauxhall badge. Its outrageous power came from a 377bhp 3.6-litre twin-turbo straight-six, tuned by Lotus to propel the car to 170mph.

This example’s owner restored it over five years, other than the paint. He found it by chance, rusty and neglected in a garage.

Several items were no longer available, but via online forums he got mirrors, bonnet insulation, rubber trims and door handles, plus cabin trim.

He refitted the body himself and rebuilt the engine, and also restored the dash. An amazing achievement considering he’s not a professional restorer.

1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E AMG 3.2

The 190E was designed to bring Mercedes-Benz prestige to a younger audience. It proved hugely popular, with just under 1.9 million built over 11 years.

In 1986, AMG offered a 234bhp 3.2-litre upgrade to the 190E’s 2.6 straight-six. All out it would do more than 150mph, and hit 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds.

This car began life as a Japanese-market 2.6-litre 190E, and in 1992 it received the full 3.2 conversion, AMG body kit, interior modifications and suspension. It even has the AMG-branded instrumentation with a 300km/h speedometer and 7000rpm tacho.

2001 BMW Z3 M

The Z3 M started life as an engineers’ what-if; they felt the Z3 roadster could take more power as a coupé. A prototype with an E36 M3 engine was approved, with M-reworked suspension and brakes, widened rear track and reinforced rear sub frame. The 1995-2001 cars used the 321bhp E36 M3 unit, while 2001-2002 cars had the 325bhp E46 M3.

Of the 168 hd cars made with this engine, just three are in this colour. It came with an AC Schnitzer exhaust and short-shift gear lever. The owner has had it for 20 years, and it now features upgraded engine internals and Bilstein suspension. It’s used for fun drives and car shows.

The Allure of Analogue Power

The London Concours 2025 “Youngtimers” class celebrated a special era. It highlighted cars that were truly engaging. They offered a direct connection to the road. These vehicles represented a golden age. Performance escalated rapidly, yet electronic aids remained minimal. Each car told a story of innovation. It showcased engineering excellence. They were highly valued by enthusiasts. They continued to provide immense driving pleasure.

Seeing these machines together was a rare treat. They represented an accessible entry point to classic car ownership. They also delivered supercar thrills. The Honourable Artillery Company lawns buzzed with excitement. These Youngtimers offered a powerful reminder: great cars were about more than just numbers. They were about character. They were about the driving experience.

If you want to see more London Concours content, head over to our YouTube channel to see our London Concours playlist.

Your Favourite Youngtimer?

Which of these iconic Youngtimers holds a special place in your heart? Do you prefer the raw power of the Lotus Carlton or the understated brilliance of an Alpina? What qualities make a car a true Youngtimer for you? Share your thoughts and tell us which Youngtimer you would most love to own in the comments below.

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