There have been several related articles on this very topic over the past few years.
"No Hobby for Young Men" Hagertys Winter 2010 P. 44. Some interesting stats [5 years old now]
average age of hobbyist: 44
75% of hobbyists are 46 or older
number of 16 year olds that don't drive: 69%
They also listed threats to the hobby:
disappearing infrastructure - parts and shops
environmental regs
alternative fuels-gas as we know it may cease to exist after 2020 regs kick in.
"American Beauties" AARP Magazine April/May 2012 P46. The index lead for the story states "Still fantasizing about that Camaro you craved back in '68?
"For Sale by Boomer" Car and Driver March 2014 P. 67 link:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/bab...rash-it-feature
Sit in the ring at any big auction and watch the crowd-probably 75% old guys.
My guess: The "Car Culture" has always been generational and will continue to be. Already happening around here. Cruise Nites are about 1/3 late model Mustangs, Challengers, Camaros, Corvettes. Very few restored '60s Muscle Cars. Some of the bigger collectors have already bailed: Robson, Dwiggins, Pratte.
Nothing lasts forever.