For many years, vintage cars in Spain were almost forgotten: vehicles and motorcycles over 40-50 years old were left to rust in garages or sold abroad to collectors. The reason was simple — the paperwork required for legal road use was so complex and expensive that many owners simply gave up. But the situation changed in the fall of 2024, when new regulations came into effect and completely transformed the classic car market.
Now, any car with Spanish plates that is at least 30 years old and has its documents in order can obtain historic vehicle status for just €20.80. The main requirement is that the original specifications are preserved. For example, if you install an electric motor in an old Seat 600, it will no longer qualify as historic. For cars without Spanish registration or without a valid technical inspection, the process is a bit more complicated: the vehicle must undergo an examination at a specialized center, where every detail is thoroughly checked — from the weight to the engine number. Once approved, the documents can be processed and a permit for road use can be issued.
The results were quick to follow: in just a year, the number of such vehicles rose from 44,000 to over 150,000. However, owners are not allowed to use them daily — the limit is set at 96 days per year. This rule is supported even by enthusiasts themselves: most only take their classics out a couple dozen times a year, since maintenance and repairs are expensive, and parts can sometimes cost a fortune.
Among vintage car enthusiasts, the number of young people is steadily growing. While it was once believed to be a hobby for retirees, now clubs are seeing the arrival of young members searching for the cars their parents or even grandparents once drove. Seat, Renault, and Simca models are particularly popular. Clubs for Seat 124 owners, for example, are seeing record attendance.
Experts note that Spain still has far fewer historic cars than other European countries. The UK counts one and a half million, Germany about 600,000, and France around 400,000. In Spain, despite the rise, the numbers remain modest. The reasons are high taxes on import and registration, especially if the car comes from outside the European Union. Nevertheless, meetings and exhibitions regularly take place across the country, drawing hundreds of spectators and tourists. Local authorities and clubs use these events to boost tourism and support small businesses.
Spain does not yet have a dedicated national automobile museum, like those in Germany or France. There are only private collections and temporary exhibits. Recently in Madrid, an exhibition was held in the Parque Móvil del Estado building to mark the institution’s 90th anniversary. Visitors could see cars driven by heads of government and kings, as well as rare models linked to the country’s history.
The question of establishing a national museum remains unresolved. Many believe it would help preserve unique vehicles and attract new enthusiasts to Spain’s automotive culture.
