I'm a gearhead and know many others... But I don't know any who borrow money for their cars. Most do it relatively cheap and subsidize the spending with a side hustle. I certainly wouldn't call anyone who owns a 2000-something vehicle a "car person".
I think it depends on who you associate with. The strata around here:
Built not bought. Usually older stuff and have way more $ in tools and tons of knowledge, than $ in car parts. Around here some younger guys, some older guys.
Bought not built. Usually newer stuff, lots of add on stuff (light bars, simple lift kits, etc.). Probably more tilted to younger guys, and more than likely financed (including mods)
Bought / sort of built. Start with a platform that is already a high performer and make thoughtful mods to improve. From what I can tell 50/50 financed vs. cash, upper middle class, sometimes younger, sometimes older.
I'm generalizing but I'd say all of the above are car people. I definitely wouldn't say that new or newer makes someone not a car person. The performance levels of something newer that can get 30 MPG and go to the track on the weekend are incredible for the amount of money. Case in point, a base Corvette. 30 MPG and all the performance you want and can drive daily. I am not sure I could build something that could tick all those boxes for the same price ($50k).
I've fallen in to all 3 categories above. There are merits to each although obviously it is best to not be financing that stuff.