Mary McCusker (asker) Oct 7, 2006:

I like vintage cars LAB2005, I used classic cars for the time being - assignment not yet due - but my preferred choice so far is 'vintage cars' since it includes the time element, but it hasn't been entered as a possible translation, so I can't choose it (yet)!

KimvanLent Oct 6, 2006:

According to Van Dale NL: Oldtimer: oud, goed onderhouden exemplaar van een auto (uit de jaren ’10-’50).
(for ‘klassieker’ ‘oldtimer’ is given)
The subtle distinction between 'oldtimers en klassiekers' may lie in the fact that some (exotic sports) cars for example are instant ‘klassiekers’. The truth probably is that this is another example of an idiomatic pleonasm. At any rate, the English ‘Classic cars’ seems to cove both.

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

Have also come across 'vintage cars'.

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

But, like I said, no expert. Just trying to help!

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

Plenty of references. Which is why I suggest you use oldtimers.

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

Try googling "oldtimers" + "classic cars", and "oldtimers" + "klassiekers"

Mary McCusker (asker) Oct 6, 2006:

oldtimer cars? Are you sure? I'm no expert, but I've never heard oldtimers applied to anything but, well, people....

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

I think you can probably use the term oldtimers in English too.

LAB2004 Oct 6, 2006:

I did a google search on oldtimers + classic cars and they come up together frequently. Found a Dutch website talking about 'oldtimers en klassiekers'. All of which would appear to signal that they are distinct. However, I am absolutely not an expert.