The industry of Czechoslovakia/Czechia/The Czech Republic began to develop during the Austro-Hungarian K&K Monarchy. After World War I, the country’s engineering, metalworking, textile, glass, and footwear industries were among the most advanced in the world. Even today, the automotive industry remains a cornerstone of the Czech economy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic
The official language is Czech, which differs from Slovak in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Czechs born after 1990 mostly speak English.
https://www.google.cz/books/edition/Czech_English_and_English_Czech_Pocket_D/_MORRAAACAAJ?hl=de
On January 1, 1993, two new, sovereign states were established. The successor states of Czechoslovakia are the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Historically known as Bohemia.
https://www.google.cz/books/edition/The_Czech_And_Slovak_Republics/7f7EDwAAQBAJ?hl=de&gbpv=0
The national currency is the Czech koruna / CZK. The Czech abbreviation is Kč. Euros are only accepted in tourist centers, often with unfavorable exchange rates. The exchange rate has fluctuated in recent years between 1 € = 22 CZK and 1 € = 27 CZK. At Y.O.R., estimates and invoices are issued in euros. Exchange rate fluctuations do not affect restoration costs.
Leading the way are Ferdinand Porsche, Daniel Swarovski, Hans Ledwinka, and Tomáš Baťa. Franz Kafka, Sigmund Freud, and Adalbert Stifter are still well-known globally today.
https://www.google.cz/books/edition/Bohemia_in_History/zfxITVc66KMC?hl=de&gbpv=0
Prague’s central location in Europe makes it easily accessible via numerous road, rail, and air connections. The distance between Düsseldorf and Prague is 720 km, Berlin and Prague is 350 km, Nuremberg and Prague is 297 km, and Munich and Prague is 382 km. Prague is always worth a visit, whether you are.
Y.O.R. has many contacts, not only in German-speaking countries but also in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and many Eastern European countries. Additionally, we have connections to various clubs and access to vehicles of club members. This also helps us in sourcing spare parts.
Classic cars from before 1950 are much less practical today due to current traffic density and demands for driving comfort and safety. Their limited engine power, 6V lighting, high steering effort, and weak braking force make them only usable to a very limited extent. Additionally, the maintenance and upkeep efforts are significantly higher.
For those who are not technically skilled or do not want to undertake time-consuming preparations before each drive, it is advisable to avoid vehicles from before 1950. Even among classic cars from 1950 to 1965, there are many that are entirely unsuitable as “daily drivers” and are service-intensive even for occasional outings.
Yes, in most cases, vehicles from 1965 onward are still suitable for everyday use. When choosing your classic car, consider the engine performance, braking and steering behavior, as well as the heating and ventilation systems. Air-cooled classics are far from comfortable in the cooler seasons.
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/gallery/20-classic-cars-make-surprisingly-good-daily-drivers
One of the most obvious aspects of a classic car is its exterior appearance. Pay attention to rust spots, dents, and scratches. Also, check the alignment of body parts such as doors and hoods to determine if the vehicle may have sustained accident damage in the past.
With historical nitrocellulose paints, cracks are not unusual. In modern paints, cracks are a sign of poor-quality bodywork and/or the use of excessive filler to smooth out unevenness.
https://www.google.cz/books/edition/Karosserie/1txL0AEACAAJ?hl=de
The condition of the interior reveals information about the overall care of the vehicle. Check the condition of the seats, dashboard, carpets, and door panels for wear or damage. A well-maintained interior is often an indicator of a careful previous owner.
Look for evidence of regular maintenance. This includes oil changes, checking the cooling and heating systems, spark plugs, air filters, and other wear parts. Watch for obvious leaks, cracks in hoses, or porous seals. Check the oil; it should be clean and at adequate levels. A short engine run can also help you detect unusual noises or oil consumption.
Make sure you understand how the transmission works. Test overdrive or selectable gear reductions and locks. Watch for signs of wear, such as jerky shifting, loud noises, or leaks. A thorough check can help identify hidden problems. For some older transmission types, spare parts and repairs are often expensive and difficult.
A look under the vehicle can reveal much about its condition. Watch for rust or damage to the frame, exhaust system, and shock absorbers. Rust is a significant issue here as it can affect the vehicle’s safety. Fresh underbody protection is not a sign of rust-free condition. Often, under thick layers of coating, rust and holes are hidden from the view of inspectors and potential buyers.
Classic cars typically do not have a closed cooling system. Therefore, check the coolant level and fluid. Ensure that the water pump is tight and operates quietly. Also, check the function of the thermostat and radiator fan.
Check the condition of the tires for cracks, uneven wear, or worn tread. This can indicate problems with the suspension or alignment. The wheels should not be damaged and must match the model.
Yes, many and costly problems. Test all electrical components such as headlights, turn signals, dashboard lighting, and radio. Check accessible cable connections and fuse boxes for their condition. Electrical problems can be difficult to fix and may indicate larger hidden issues. An electrical fire can lead to the total loss of the classic car.
Chromium and other trim components are particularly important when buying a classic car. Chrome is prone to rust, especially if it is damaged or flaking. Check all chrome surfaces for signs of rust. Many classic cars also have painted trim parts. Check these for their condition and originality. Renewing chrome is expensive. If there is damage, don’t forget to negotiate the purchase price.
Check if there is a complete history that includes repairs, previous owners, and any restoration work. A professionally carried out restoration can increase the value, while poorly done work can lead to future problems. A vehicle that has frequently changed owners might indicate issues that are not immediately apparent.
A test drive is essential. Pay attention to the driving behavior, noises from the engine and transmission, the function of the brakes, and the steering. Unusual driving behavior can indicate larger problems. White smoke from the exhaust is a sign of coolant system leaks. Bluish smoke indicates incorrect carburetor or injection settings, while dark to black smoke suggests increased oil consumption due to high engine mileage.
Research the market value of your desired model. Prices can vary significantly depending on rarity, condition, and originality. Comparing with similar vehicles can help you determine a fair price.
For many collectors and enthusiasts, the originality of the vehicle is very important. “Matching Numbers,” meaning matching serial numbers of the engine and chassis, can significantly increase the value of a classic car. Generally, check if important parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, transmission, and other essential components, are original.
Before purchasing a classic car, research the availability of spare parts and the general maintenance requirements. Some classic cars can be expensive to maintain due to rare spare parts or specialized maintenance needs.
Don’t hesitate to bring a professional for an inspection, especially if you are unsure. A professional evaluation can help avoid costly surprises. Y.O.R. is happy to advise and assist you in finding and selecting your classic car!
he restoration costs of a classic car or youngtimer can often only be estimated or derived from the experience of Y.O.R. Classic Car Workshop. Only after stripping the paint from the body can the actual condition of the metal be assessed. Investing in a complete restoration can also make sense if there is a strong emotional attachment to the vehicle. These classic cars can bring back the feeling of your youth.
Note that classic cars have been experiencing significant value increases for years, but not all models follow this trend. Properly restored and maintained vehicles can prove to be a good investment in the long term. And they are definitely fun!
Y.O.R. has many contacts, not only in German-speaking countries but also in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and many Eastern European countries. Additionally, we have connections to various clubs and access to vehicles owned by club members. This also helps us with sourcing spare parts. Whether you have a preference for Porsche, Wartburg, Bentley, Borgward, Mercedes, or Jaguar. And if you’re looking for something exotic, such as Panhard, Walter, Singer, Tatra, or Aero—Y.O.R. is the right place for you.
Be very cautious with such classic car projects. Completeness and missing parts are almost impossible to verify. The quality of work already done, as well as the materials and spare parts used, is also difficult to assess. And beware: A large box full of all the screws from the classic car indicates amateur restoration work. You will pay for sorting and organizing the screws, not the seller!
