REVEALED: The rarest classic cars in danger of extinction in 2021

A new study by GoCompare has discovered the rarest classic cars in the UK based on how many are left in 2020 and facing the danger of going extinct next year.

Once upon a time, classic Alfa Romeo‘s, Hyundai’s, Fords and Ferrari‘s graced UK streets but even though the current climate has ground to a halt, you’ll be lucky to catch the UK classics out on the road. The study has used data from the Department of Transport to analyse how many individual cars are registered in the UK.

So which are the 20 rarest classic cars in danger of going extinct in 2021?

The 20 rarest classic cars in the UK

The top 50 rarest classic cars can be found here 

Aston Martin DB1 – ONE remaining 

Value: £353,407

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. 

Citroën CX

Value: £6,000

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.

Nissan Prairie – ONE remaining

Value: £2,500 

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. 

Popular Fiat Uno goes extinct this year

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. But in 2020, there are none to be found, making it another classic lost to the ages.

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 altogether. With consumer lifestyle changes, engine changes and demand changes, it’s not going to be long until some of these cars will no longer cease to exist.

The classic UK favourite Ford Escort will be extinct in 2029

Status: 1,300 – 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 forecasted death of the Ford Probe 

Status: 139 – 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. 

🚗Extinction date: 2024

Mark Greening, motoring expert at GoCompare, said: “Classic cars are a huge part of the UK’s history and heritage and this country has crafted the models that revolutionised the industry in their heyday. Some of these classics are British favourites that have led the automotive industry so it’s strange to think we won’t see them on UK roads in 2021.

Classic cars can be a real investment and surprisingly, classic car insurance is often cheaper than a standard policy as insurers recognise that older vehicles have lower speeds and simpler mechanics than modern vehicles, as well as owners who look after their cars well. The only downside is this high rate of decline can make the classics more expensive to maintain as parts become harder to come by.

Unfortunately, with age, there does come a natural decline, but now we know the models in danger, hopefully, some of these can be saved from extinction.”

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