The Rarest Classic Cars left on the road

When they drive past us on the road, our heads turn. We take pictures of them and share them with our friends, we go to events all about them, and we dream of one day owning one of our own. Rare classic cars are still out there, growing rarer by the day. We take a look at the rarest of them all, including some models that may be the last of their kind in existence.

We’re not getting emotional, honest.

Still on the road, just.
The rarest classic cars left driving.

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The rarest
classic cars #1

#1

Aston Martin DB1

one remaining

Named after former Aston Martin owner, David Brown, the Aston Martin DB1 was first sold in 1948 as the Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports.

Its tube-frame chassis and four-cylinder engine have made it a firm fan’s favourite. But with only one left registered on the road, it might not be long before history books are the only place we can find it.

  • Car launched
    1948
  • Total sales
    15
  • Remaining
    1
  • Value today
    £353,407
Image of Nissan Pairie
The rarest classic cars #2

#2

Nissan Pririe

one remaining

A classic for a different kind of reason, the Nissan Prairie was released in Japan in 1981. Its distinctive wedge shape made it a challenge to drive in certain conditions, while its lack of B bar (the bar that usually supports the middle of a car) meant you could fully recline all the seats and turn it into a double bed.

Sadly that hasn’t been enough to save it, and with only one remaining you might have to stick to sleeping in your home instead.

  • Car launched
    1981
  • Remaining
    1
  • Value today
    £2,500
Image of Nissan Pairie
The rarest classic cars #3

#3

Citroën CX

one remaining

A picture of ‘70s style, the Citroën CX was released in 1974 and was part estate car, part limousine. Its long wheel base gave it low drag, while its unique design helped it win 1975 European Car of the Year.

The last Citroën to be released before the firm was bought out by Peugeot, only one model remains on the roads making it the end of an era for a former car giant.

  • Car launched
    1974
  • Remaining
    1
  • Value today
    £6,000

The top 50 rarest
classic cars

The fewest remaining models registered to drive on UK roads

Image of two rarest cars
  # Brand Model Year of
production		 Total cars
remaining in 2020		  

Driving into decline -
the 10 cars with not long left

Because of their age, the money required to keep them updated and the lack of engineers left capable of maintaining them, many classic cars are dying breeds. Even with classic car insurance, the costs involved with some older models puts lots of people off driving them, and some more than others are running out of miles.

Based on their rate of decline - the number of cars left now compared to how many were around during previous years - we’ve predicted which cars are on their way out, and when they might be extinct all together.

#1

Citroën Visa

100% decline since 2010

Extinction date: now

With no registered models left on the roads, it might already be too late to catch Citroën’s rally classic. Having released over one million models between 1978 and 1988, the Visa’s low centre of gravity made it ideal for rally racing. It was the first car co-designed by Citroën and Peugeot, but was replaced by the Citroën AX and use has been in decline ever since. Only one has been road legal for the past 10 years, with none currently in use.

#2

Fiat Uno

100% decline since 2010

Extinction date: now

Another classic car that can&rswuo;t currently be found on the roads, The Fiat Uno is the eight most produced car platform in history, with over eight million in existence at its peak. Launched in 1983, and still going strong across South American countries well into the 2000s, there were still 14 Unos on the roads back in 2010. Now, however, there are none to be found, making it another classic lost to the ages.

#3

Fiat Marea

97.41% decline since 2010

Extinction date: 2022

The second Fiat model on its last legs (or wheels) is the Marea. With nine left on the road, it’s still relatively popular compared to some of the other cars mentioned here, but given there were 348 in 2010 it looks like it’s on its way out fast. Released in 1996, the family saloon ceased production in 2007 and could soon cease existence if our predictions are right.

#4

Volvo 440

97% decline since 2010

Extinction date: 2022

Back in 2010 you could have found 200 Volvo 440s on the road. Today you can only find six, despite how innovative it was at the time. The 440 was the first car to include a Side Impact Protection System - a must-have on all modern Volvos - as well as daytime running lights to ensure drivers were visible at all times. Sadly the model’s own safety can’t be as certain as numbers continue to dwindle.

#5

Vauxhall Cavalier

96.43% decline since 2010

Extinction date: 2022

Sold between 1975 and 1995, the Cavalier is the fifth most popular car to ever be sold in Britain, selling more than 100,000 in its first year alone. Once the most popular large family car in the country, its popularity has decreased throughout recent years. There were 112 on the roads in 2010, now there are only four.

What a difference a decade makes – the cars fading fast

Some cars are quickly going out of fashion. Models that were prevalent on the roads in 2010 and now looking more sparse, with their numbers in steep decline. Styles change, engines change, and eventually these cars will just be a flashback to the past.

The cars on fast decline #1

#1

Ford Escort

2,500 fewer than in 2010

There was a time when Ford Escorts were everywhere, and with over 1,300 still on the roads they’re hardly gone forever. However, just ten years ago you could see thousands more, suggesting they’re edging closer to the way out.

Extinction date: 2029

The cars on fast decline #2

#2

Ford Probe

1,361 fewer than in 2010

The sleek, sporty-looking design of the Probe came with the always exciting pop-up headlights. Ten years ago there were still 1,500 on the roads, but now there are only 139 meaning they’re less likely to pop-up near you.

Extinction date: 2024

The cars on fast decline #3

#3

Audi 80

1,359 fewer than in 2010

The Audi 80, famed for its Quattro variant that appeared in the TV show Life On Mars, was dominant in motorsports throughout the late ‘80s. There were 1,500 still driving 10 years ago, but today you’ll only see 141. Could this be the end of a classic?

Extinction date: 2024

Worried about your car dying out?

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