Nearly half of Gen Z youngsters want to ditch their modern smartphones in favour of chunky 1980s-style mobiles, as seen in Only Fools and Horses
Del Boy-style “brick” mobile phones and bright gaudy cars – like the wheeler-dealer’s startling green Capri Ghia – are back in vogue, new studies show.
Nearly half of Gen Z youngsters (45%) want to ditch smartphones in favour of chunky 1980s-style mobiles like the one used by the Only Fools and Horses star, played by Sir David Jason.
Researchers said the trend was part of “a growing rejection of a world shaped by algorithms and powered by AI”. Creative agency Dentsu, which included 500 Brits in its global survey of 4,500 consumers, said as a result younger generations wanted to switch off with “dumb” analogue devices that lacked internet features.
Wannabe yuppie Del unwittingly changed TV channels with his mobile while showing off the “executive” handset in the show’s Nags Head pub, infuriating pals Boycie and Trigger who were trying to watch the horse racing.
Meanwhile, a separate study found 1980s-style brightly coloured cars were back in fashion. The report by used car marketplace Motorway said: “80s maximalism returns – bold colours and statement styling are replacing minimalism.”
Del’s brother Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, famously dubbed his brother’s flashy Capri sports car the “Pratmobile”.
The eye-catching motor featured bright green paintwork, wally dice and tiger print seats. Motorway’s Fast Forward consumer trends report said: “The bold glamour of the 1980s is back and it’s hitting the roads. From saturated colours to layered interiors, maximalist design is influencing both new models and used car preferences.
“In fact, Motorway saw the Range Rover Defender increase in price by 6.29% in 2025, reflecting growing demand for showier, statement-making vehicles. The upcoming launch of the Ford Mustang FX is setting the tone for the year ahead, with its bold reimagining of the iconic car wrapped in unapologetic 80s styling.”
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