A French take on modern classics

There’s no denying the modern classics phenomenon but what is – and isn’t – a modern classic is very much down to personal taste.

Whatever someone’s preference it’s always good to find out more and ‘Youngtimers – Autos Nouvelles Generations’ is (unsurprisingly) a French work on the subject.

And good it is too, covering the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Of course, it can’t cover every make and model but it’s a fine starting point and it has enough technical information to lead readers down further, deeper, information-seeking rabbit holes.

Laid out in an A-Z order it’s easy to use and of course it’s inevitable readers will immediately look for their motor of choice: If you’ve a thing for French modern classics you’re more than catered for, but despite the book’s origins there are plenty of others to delight and, in some cases, surprise.

While a Jaguar XJ-S/XJS and XJ40 won’t come as a surprise (and neither should a Porsche 928 and Ferrari 328GTB and 512TR) the inclusion of a Chevrolet Beretta and a Honda Z600 gives this fine, weighty volume added gravitas.

Big pages, good quality paper and binding (and clean design) mean this is one for anybody with a modern classic interest. Used copies are available for around £20, so definitely worth seeking out.