The word “Oldtimer” refers to a vintage car: an old yet well-preserved and restored vehicle that reminds us of bygone eras.
Sometimes these vehicles take us back as far as a hundred years. Each oldtimer has its own story, evoking events or figures that marked a specific area or time. This form of art on wheels ignites passion and emotions while also providing opportunities for socializing and strengthening community bonds. Community is built through the mutual connection of classic car owners as well as the frequent organization of classic car expeditions or exhibitions.
The extent to which these collectors strive to embody their passion is striking. Some collectors have been known to even adjust their clothing to match the period from which their beloved car originates. It’s no surprise, then, that classic car collectors are often said to possess ‘museums on wheels.’
Organizing the community
The Oldtimer Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an association of classic car, motorcycle, and auto clubs formed on a voluntary basis. The founders come from associations registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who established the Federation in 2018. The Federation includes clubs such as Motor Club Vukovi Livno, Oldtimer Club Rio, the Citizens’ Association Oldtimer Club Bijeljina, and Oldtimer Club 1912. They are striving to have their status as an oldtimer federation recognized at a national level.
The Federation is a member of FIVA (Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens), an international organization of national federations, clubs, and other groups dedicated to the maintenance and use of classic vehicles.
FIVA has authorized the Oldtimer Association of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to issue certificates, identify classic vehicles, assess their condition, and register oldtimer vehicles. They anticipate the issuance of the first classic vehicle license plates in the near future. The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Regulation on the Price of Vehicle Documents and the Price of Vehicle Marking Plates in February of this year, which defines the fees for registering classic cars and the use of transferable license plates.
Amel Bećirević is a member of the Federation and the founder of the Oldtimer Club 1912, based in Sanski Most. The club has been in existence since 2014 and carries on the tradition of the first automobile club established in Sarajevo in 1912, from which they adopted the logo and added the inscription “OLDTIMER KLUB 1912”.
Every passion has its beginning, and for Amel, his love for oldtimers and vintage items was sparked in childhood. He was always fascinated by old technical devices. His father owned an RTV service for repairing radios and televisions, many of which ended up in the attic and were discovered by Amel at the age of six or seven. He seized every opportunity to explore the attic, and to this day, he is captivated by these vintage technical items that he continues to collect.
Collections that unite people
Senad Huseini from Sarajevo is an avid collector of oldtimers. His love for classic cars, as he states, has been longstanding because he cherishes vintage cars that remind him of quieter times when days were simpler and life was slower.
Senad’s collection includes six cars of various models, each carefully restored and preserved. Among them is one of the oldest cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 1929 Oldsmobile, which he purchased 22 years ago thanks to a friend from the US.
“If I had to choose a favorite car, it would definitely be the Oldsmobile because it carries a special story and style that always captivates me,” says Senad.
The Oldsmobile, as he explains, is associated with the infamous gangster Al Capone, which is why it is popularly known as the “mafia model” or “Al Capone model”. He is particularly thrilled by the interest expressed by members of the public in his car collection. In addition to the Oldsmobile, his collection features a 1929 Mercedes, a 1970 Triumph Spitfire, a jeep made for the Vietnam War from 1958, and a Ford from 1977.
The uniqueness of Senad’s collection lies in the special outfits that accompany each car. He notes that this fits his character and style, emphasizing the uniqueness of each vehicle and enhancing the overall appearance.
“I feel particularly special because I draw attention when people see my outfit next to the car,” Senad said.
In addition to his collection, Senad is also the founder of the Oldtimer Club Rio, from where you can rent a classic car for a special occasion. He highlights the importance of the Oldtimer Association of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has allowed him to connect with other enthusiasts, exchange experiences, and work together to preserve these cars.
“We travel across our former country, and such journeys, in addition to wonderful companionship, offer us the chance to renew old bonds and establish new ones. We create friendships without borders,” Senad emphasizes, describing how wherever they go they attract the attention of passersby who greet them and enjoy conversations together.
Growing the collection
With time, Amel began accruing more and more vintages. “In around 1996, I got my first oldtimer—a 1970 VW Beetle, which was a very rare model here with an automatic transmission. After that, I changed quite a few cars,” said Amel.
Today, his club owns vehicles such as a Yugo milicija, an Opel Rekord from 1968, a Zastava 101, a Moskvitch, and more.
“Since my [home] address is where the club is located, the yard and garages are full of oldtimers, both mine and those owned by the club. During the oldtimer season, I enjoy driving the IMV van, which everyone recognizes by the characters from the Alan Ford comic strip stuck on it,” notes Amel.
He shares that many people have asked him things like “What do you need that old car for? It’s just for a museum.” Despite this skepticism, more and more polished oldtimers can be seen on the roads today. “It’s a unique feeling to go from a newer car into a 50-year-old one, which has only a radio for its modern equipment. It feels like you’re in a different time. On the road, we’re a special attraction; everyone approaches to take pictures, and everyone wants a ride. The feeling is incredible,” Amel explains.
Amel points out that his Oldtimer Club 1912 organizes oldtimer gatherings. They have hosted several meetings in Sanski Most (NW Bosnia), featuring tours of local landmarks and similar activities. In 2019 the association came up with the idea to organize different expeditions lasting several days that include visits to other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. That year, they held their Oldtimers on the Roads of Revolution tour.
The most recent tour, which also marked the club’s tenth anniversary, was named “Oldtimer Expedition Bosnia Express”. It began in Ljubljana and passed through several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Velika Kladuša, Sanski Most, Drvar, Livno, Mostar, Konjic, and Jajce. The next expedition, Amel notes, will be “Una & Sana” (after NW Bosnia’s major river and its tributary) and is scheduled for the end of July 2025.
The story of oldtimer enthusiasts highlights not only their passion for cars but also the strength of community built through shared love for the past, making every moment spent in these legendary vehicles unforgettable.
