Oldtimer

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who is advanced in age or has long experience ; a vehicle manufactured long ago that is preserved and valued as classic
2. An individual known for their lengthy experience or senior age ; a car or other vehicle from an earlier era kept in good condition as a collector's item
3. Someone recognized for their advanced years or extensive background ; an old-fashioned automobile or similar vehicle maintained for historical interest

Etymology: The word is a plain compound of "old" and "timer," where "timer" is an agent noun from "time" in the sense of a stretch of service or residence, so an oldtimer is literally someone who has spent a long time at something. Its meaning is one of length of service, not age itself, which is why it can describe a veteran worker, a longtime resident, or an experienced hand in any trade. The vehicle sense extends the same idea from people to machines. A car or aeroplane that has been around for decades, and has been kept in running order and cherished for it, is called an oldtimer by enthusiasts. The machine is treated like a veteran that has earned its place by surviving the years.

Synonyms: classic car, vintage vehicle