Europeans, Asians or Americans - at the "Youngstar Awards 2026" on June 6, 2026 in Däniken, Solothurn all youngtimers are welcome. "We are interested in creating a platform for those cars that are still somewhat between a rock and a hard place due to their age," explains Jörg Petersen, Head of Communications and former Editor-in-Chief of Schweizer Auto Illlustrierte. The fact that the focus is not only on younger cars, but also on their younger drivers, is part of the character of the event.
The event will take place in a dignified setting: For one day, the extensive grounds around the huge hall of the film production company Arthaios AG in Däniken will become a youngtimer mecca. For one day, the site becomes a place where the chrome shines, the leather smells and engines and owners tell their stories in the hall.
The contest with an extra
50 youngtimer owners have the opportunity to present their collector's cars in an exhibition with a contest, as the number is limited and the age has an upper limit, an unusual concept for such an event. "For once, the focus should really be on the youngtimers," as Petersen emphasizes once again.
The "Youngstar Awards 2026" are planned as a brand- and model-independent event, and a whole range of sponsors have already come together to make it happen.
On June 6, 2026, passenger cars that correspond to the typical appearance of a youngtimer built between 1975 and 2006 are eligible. In particular, this includes cars that are on the cusp of becoming classics right now, have great potential to become classics or have now earned the necessary attention so that they will one day reach the threshold of becoming classic cars. The shape of the body does not matter, everything is permitted - from estate cars to sports cars.
Veteran status excluded
A prerequisite for participation is that the youngtimers are registered for road traffic and cannot yet qualify for veteran status. The organizing committee reserves the right to treat vehicles selectively so that they correspond to the character of the event.
The "Youngstar Awards 2026" will have a multi-stage award process. The first stage will be the meeting in Däniken, where prizes and trophies will be awarded in two categories. The approach is rather unusual, but refreshing: in Category A "Personal History & Style", the emotional bond between the owner and the vehicle is assessed. The focus here is on personal stories and authentic experiences. The aim is to promote interest in this important part of preserving old cars. To this end, the evaluation process starts in advance on the basis of the documents submitted. The evaluation criteria are based on the originality of the vehicle's history, the emotional connection and relationship between the car and its owner, the text and photos and the quality of the presentation.
In Category B of the "Youngstar Awards 2026", the "Classic Evaluation" is carried out by a jury of experts. The focus here is on the vehicle's condition, fidelity to the original and maintenance requirements. The state of preservation, fidelity to the original, but also - a legitimate view of things for youngtimers and more practical - stylish conversions and, of course, the state of care and presentation on site are assessed.
The best ten at Auto Zürich
The best ten of the 50 vehicles make it through to the final round. After evaluation by the jury, it is then up to the owners to generate as many votes as possible for their youngtimer among their friends, acquaintances or family by October 4, 2026 and to nominate them at .
and have them vote in their favor at www.youngstar-awards.ch. 40 percent of the result will be added to the final bill.
The final on November 7 is still in the planning stage. However, the top three will then be awarded prizes and crowned "YOUNGSTAR 2026".
Limited places
Places are limited to 50 vehicles. Early registration is therefore recommended.
This registration as well as the spectator voting for the "Youngstar Awards 2026" will take place exclusively
take place online at www.youngstar-awards.ch .
The registration deadline is March 31, 2026. The participation fee for the competitions in Cat. A and/or
Cat. B competitions is 25 francs per vehicle.
Further information can be found on the website.
