How Video Games and Social Media are Shaping the Next Generation of Classic Car Enthusiasts

The Next Generation of Classic Car Enthusiasts: How Video Games and Social Media are Shaping the Future

Video games, TikTok, and YouTube are sparking a new wave of interest in classic cars among younger generations, but their preferences are different from those of older car enthusiasts. Despite previous predictions that traditional car culture would fade away with older generations, it seems that young people are now stepping up to carry the torch.

Auto racing games like Forza and Gran Turismo are playing a significant role in turning kids and young adults into classic car aficionados. These games allow players to race, modify, and learn about classic and contemporary cars, influencing their preferences and sparking their interest in the automotive world.

Millennials and Gen Zers, who grew up watching movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” are particularly drawn to “JDM” cars from the Japanese domestic market, such as Hondas, Nissans, and Mitsubishis. This trend mirrors how previous generations fell in love with hot rods and Ferraris through iconic films like “American Graffiti” and “Magnum, P.I.”

At events like the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, where classic cars take center stage, younger attendees are gravitating towards more affordable and newer models, like the Mazda Miata, that they can modify and have fun with. Social media influencers like Jackson Kessler, known as “Captain Crankshaft,” are also playing a role in introducing young audiences to the world of vintage cars through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

While ’60s-era cars remain popular among older car owners, younger consumers are showing a preference for models from the ’80s and ’90s. Thanks to video games, social media, and other cultural influences, the next generation of car enthusiasts is emerging with a deep knowledge and passion for classic automobiles.

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that classic cars still hold a special allure for many young adults. Whether it’s through racing simulators, social media content, or real-life car shows, the love for vintage automobiles remains strong among the next generation of car enthusiasts.