Youngtimer Model Cars 1/18 — BMW E30, Mercedes 190E

Youngtimer Model Cars — the cult sports cars of the 80s-90s

The term “youngtimer” refers in collector slang to cars 20 to 40 years old — sports cars, sedans and compacts produced between 1985 and 2005. Younger than “oldtimers” (before 1985), they benefit from modern technology (electronic injection, ABS, multilink suspension) while keeping the mechanical soul of the pre-touchscreen era.

In the real-car market, youngtimers have exploded: a BMW M3 E30 EVO was worth 15,000 € in 2010, today it trades at 90,000-120,000 €. This trend mirrors in model cars: youngtimers are one of the most active segments of the collector market.

At Frakaxessoires, rich youngtimer selection — BMW E30, Mercedes 190 E, Renault 5 Turbo, Lancia Delta Integrale, Audi RS2, Volvo 850, Opel Calibra DTM, VW Corrado — from specialists: KK Scale (leader), Norev, Minichamps, Solido, Otto Mobile, GT Spirit.

Youngtimer stars in model form

BMW M3 E30 (1986-1992) — THE cult sports sedan. Minichamps 1/18 (~140 CHF). See our BMW collection.
Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II (1990) — DTM weapon against the M3. Minichamps 1/18 (~150 CHF).
Renault 5 Turbo / Turbo 2 — mythical French sports car, mid-engine. Norev, Solido (~85 CHF).
Audi RS2 (1994-1995) — first ultra-sport wagon (V6 2.2T 315 hp, Porsche-developed). Norev 1/18 (~120 CHF).
Subaru Impreza 22B STI (1998) — 400 units produced. Sun Star 1/18 (~180 CHF).
Mercedes 500E (W124), BMW M5 E34, Peugeot 205 GTI, Lancia Delta HF Integrale

Why youngtimers gain value in model form

Madeleine effect 35-50 years: today’s buyers are 40-55, collecting the cars of their youth
Limited production: KK Scale, Otto Mobile run series of 1500-3000 ex.
Real market rising: strong knock-on effect on model cars

FAQ Youngtimers

Why is KK Scale the segment leader?

KK Scale specialized in European youngtimers 1980-2005 with very deep catalogue (BMW E30/E34/E36, Mercedes W124/W201, Audi B4, Volvo 850, Opel Astra GSi…) and excellent value (90-130 CHF).

Which youngtimer to invest in 2026?

The Subaru Impreza 22B Sun Star 1/18 rises regularly (400 → 600 CHF boxed).

Also discover our 1/18 model cars, rally model cars, and our complete catalogue.