The rarest cars on UK roads today

Maintaining a rare model from the 1980s or 1990s poses significant challenges, as evidenced by the solitary presence of an Alfa Romeo 33 Sportwagon 16v on UK roads. This underscores the considerable dedication required to preserve these vehicles, with an additional 11 currently declared as SORNs (Statutory Off Road Notification), indicating their existence but the current inability to be driven on public roads.

Originally positioned as a competitor to the BMW 3 Series Touring, the Alfa 33 Sportwagon boasted impressive handling. However, its boot space was limited, and the load floor lacked flatness. Overlooked and disregarded as a second-hand car, these factors have contributed to the survival of only one example on the road today.

The "Roadster" moniker attached to the Dacia Duster might evoke images of a sporty ride, but any such illusions quickly fade when you realise it's actually a soft-top variant of the no-frills 4x4 from the 1980s. Dacia aimed to make a mark in the UK market with this model, branding the Roadster as a more playful "lifestyle" edition. However, its boxy styling, reminiscent of a Land Rover, did little to boost its appeal.

With only a few Dusters finding buyers between 1981 and 1990, it's a pleasant surprise to see one still cruising the streets (with two more in off-road retirement), serving as a nostalgic throwback. Yet, the Duster Roadster fails to deliver on the excitement front, with its underwhelming 1.4-litre engine taking a leisurely 22.7 seconds to reach 60 mph.

The Daihatsu Charade GTi from the 1980s garnered a devoted following for its lively performance, earning a reputation as a pocket rocket. However, its successor in the late 1990s didn't quite live up to the hype. The iconic racy stripes and spirited turbocharged three-cylinder engine were replaced with a more subdued exterior design and a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 97bhp.

Despite Daihatsu's claim of a 0-60mph time of 9.4 seconds, which was somewhat respectable for a hot hatch of its era, the lackluster handling dampened its appeal. Consequently, the GTI struggled to attract buyers when new, making it somewhat surprising to encounter one still on the road today.

In the 1950s, the Daimler DK400 stood out as one of the final factory-made limousines available, offering a blend of regal elegance and comfort for those seeking an alternative to the Rolls-Royce standard. Most DK400s sported limo bodywork by Carbodies, although there were also variations like hearses and convertibles.

Notably, a coupe DK400 was custom-made for Lady Docker, spouse of Daimler's head honcho, Sir Bernard Docker. Presently, only one DK400 is officially registered for road use in the UK, while another four are off the road, presumably awaiting restoration.

Crafted by renowned coachbuilder Coleman-Milne, the Ford Minster was a modification of the popular Granada saloon. With a 12-inch extension to the wheelbase, the Minster provided ample rear legroom, catering to town mayors and junior government officials. Additionally, it offered the option of a glass divider, which could be raised electronically for added privacy between the driver's compartment and the rear seats.

Unfortunately, many Ford Minsters met their end in banger racing after serving their official duties. However, there is some optimism as three Minsters remain operational on the road, with an additional eight currently declared as SORN'd. This suggests that more of these vehicles may yet return to the streets.

As of now, only one Gordon Murray model is officially registered for road use in the UK. While this number is expected to increase with the delivery of the V12-powered T.50 hypercar to customers, it also underscores the commitment of the British company to real-world testing rather than solely relying on test tracks.

Professor Gordon Murray, being an avid driver himself, prioritizes refining his cars on the road, ensuring optimal performance in the environments where they are most commonly driven.

Infiniti's venture into the UK market proved fleeting for Nissan's upscale brand. The EX37 GT was positioned as its flagship, poised to compete with the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Despite boasting a formidable 3.7-liter V6 engine generating 316bhp and commendable handling, potential buyers hesitated to embrace a new and relatively unfamiliar brand, opting instead for the comfort of established prestige marques.

Regrettably, the EX37 GT suffered from sluggish sales, resulting in only one remaining on UK roads today. In contrast, there are still 34 of the less equipped base version in circulation.

In 1999, the UK boasted nearly 3500 Kia Mentor GLX models registered for road use. Fast forward to today, and only one of these compact four-door saloons remains in operation, marking a significant decline from its peak popularity. Interestingly, there are an additional 18 Mentors currently declared as SORN.

Back in its heyday, the Mentor competed with the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra, offering a more budget-friendly option. Despite its affordability, Kia equipped the Mentor with a robust 1.6-litre petrol engine sourced from Mazda, contributing to the South Korean company's reputation for producing appealing and durable vehicles.

Even within the dwindling population of Leyland Princess cars still gracing the UK's roads, the base 1800 Auto stands out as a true rarity, with only one remaining in existence. While the distinctive styling by the late Harris Mann may have sparked debate, its practicality was undeniable. However, Leyland's subpar quality standards and reluctance to adopt Mann's hatchback concept, despite its appearance as a saloon, hampered the car's appeal among buyers.

The 1.8-litre engine served as the entry-level option for the Princess, with the automatic gearbox being a less common choice. Now overlooked within classic car circles, it's comforting to know that at least one of these vehicles has endured the passage of time.

In your quest to purchase a Lincoln in the UK, you'll likely come across Town Cars and Navigator SUVs, but stumbling upon an LS is a rarity, with only one registered for road use. Another LS sits under SORN status, but it seems the operational one was imported to the UK around 2012.

The LS isn't the most conspicuous Lincoln to import from the US, sporting rather nondescript four-door styling. However, beneath its surface lies a platform shared with Jaguars S-type and XF Mk1, along with engines found in the Jags. This solitary UK-bound Lincoln LS boasts a V8 engine, equating to a 4.0-liter motor paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox.

After De Tomaso assumed control of Maserati in 1975, the Kyalami emerged as a blend of disparate components. Utilising the body of the De Tomaso Longchamps coupled with the Maserati V8 engine, it offered power outputs ranging from 255 to 320bhp. Positioned as Maserati's two-door, four-seat competitor to the Ferrari 365 GT4, the Kyalami struggled to gain traction in the market, resulting in sluggish sales.

With just 187 units produced by the end of its production in 1983, it's hardly surprising to encounter only one Kyalami in operation on the UK's roads. Nevertheless, there are an additional 11 Kyalamis listed under SORN in the UK, hinting at the possibility of a rise in the number of road registrations in the future.

Production estimates for the MG XPower SV and SV-R models range from as low as 50 to as high as 82, depending on the source. However, what we can confirm is the solitary presence of an XPower SV-R Auto on UK roads. For enthusiasts seeking a manual gearbox, there are seven registered and road legal options available.

This renders the SV-R Auto a uniquely intriguing car, given the XPower model's acclaimed performance and handling during its heyday. With a 5.0-liter V8 engine, it boasted impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 175mph. However, concerns over build quality led many buyers to opt for the reliability of a Porsche 911 instead.

In many respects, the MIA L3 was a vehicle ahead of its era. Introduced in 2011 as a highly practical electric car, it initially stood out as an unconventional choice, much like the Volkswagen ID Buzz does today. Manufactured in Germany, the MIA utilized lightweight plastic panels to enhance efficiency, while its rear-mounted 13bhp electric motor provided adequate performance for urban driving, accompanied by an 80-mile battery range.

The most distinctive feature of the MIA L3 was its centrally positioned driver's seat, offering excellent visibility in all directions. Accommodating three passengers in the rear with ample legroom, the L3 managed to achieve spaciousness within a compact footprint, comparable to that of a Smart Fortwo.

When the Moskvich 412 hit the market, its biggest allure was its remarkably low price, especially when compared to other similarly sized four-door vehicles like the Ford Cortina. For the cost of a Mini, buyers could acquire a spacious saloon, albeit one lacking in build quality and driving prowess, despite the 1.5-liter engine drawing inspiration heavily from BMW's four-cylinder design.

Yet, for some, the 412's affordability was reason enough to make a purchase. In fact, it played a pivotal role in Tony Lanfranchi clinching the 1972-73 British saloon car championship, where categories were determined by price rather than engine capacity. Presently, only one 412 remains operational on the road, with an additional two listed under SORN.

In the mid-1970s, Opel's cars were basically Vauxhalls with a different badge, or vice versa across the Channel. The Ascona was almost identical to the Vauxhall Cavalier and came in both two- and four-door saloon models. While it started with small 1.2 and 1.3-litre engines, the more popular options were the 1.6, 1.9, and 2.0-litre engines. 

Peugeot produced 1,178,425 units of its 304 model worldwide, with many still present in France. However, in the UK, they're far less common, with only one SL version currently on the road, and another three listed as SORN.

The 304 was Peugeot's response to the Ford Escort, mainly available as a four-door saloon, though two-door saloon, estate, coupe, and convertible versions were also offered. It featured a 1.1-litre petrol engine and a 1.4-litre diesel, but most, including this lone SL survivor, were equipped with the petrol 1.3-litre engine.

The Polish-produced 125P closely resembled the Fiat 125, except it was manufactured behind the Iron Curtain that divided Europe at the time. Despite its conventional design, the 125P offered a smooth driving experience and proved to be durable, although it lacked many amenities. It was part of a tradition of Eastern European cars sold in the UK at attractively low prices.

Over the years, the count of this specific Renault 5 trim has steadily declined. In 1995, over 1220 were registered, but by 2010, the number dwindled to just nine. Presently, only one remains in operation, with eight others declared off the road.

The Event trim featured a 55bhp 1237cc petrol engine, a part of the 5 range. Launched in 1988, it was among Renault's numerous special editions aimed at boosting sales as the 5 model neared the end of its production cycle. Customers could opt for either three- or five-door versions of the Event.

The Renault 25 GTX catered primarily to budget-conscious families and corporate users. While it may not have matched the performance prowess of its sleek V6-powered counterparts, its 121bhp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine effectively kept pace with competitors like the Ford Granada and Vauxhall Carlton during the era when mainstream brands fiercely contested this segment.

In GTX guise, the Renault featured a standard five-speed manual gearbox, with the option of an automatic transmission. A notable feature that appealed to buyers in the 1980s was the onboard computer in the 25 GTX, complete with a digital voice system that provided updates on the car's status.

While some might chuckle at the Skoda MB models, available in 1000 and 1100 variants, it's worth noting they offered straightforward, dependable transportation at a price significantly lower than most Western European counterparts. They also boasted respectable driving dynamics and found success in rallying and hillclimbing during their heyday.

The presence of just one Skoda MB on UK roads today reflects the limited number originally sold here. Often viewed as inexpensive, disposable vehicles, they quickly descended to the lower tiers of the used car market. The survival of even one is somewhat remarkable given their historical treatment.

The Toyota 2000GT was akin to the LFA of its era, a stunning showcase of technical prowess from the Japanese automaker, demonstrating its ability to craft sports cars to rival European counterparts. With its sleek design and coupe silhouette, matched by a potent 150bhp 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the 2000GT made a lasting impression. However, with only 337 units ever produced, it has become one of the most coveted classics globally.

Such limited production ensures the rarity of the 135mph 2000GT worldwide. In the UK, just one remains registered for road use, contrasting with the nine seen on the roads in late 1999; two are currently declared off-road. An auction in Paris in 2023 saw one 2000GT fetch €623,750 (approximately £540,000), underlining its esteemed status in automotive history.