Top 10: Classics you no longer see
A classic doesn’t have to be an expensive piece of exotica in order to be rare. Some of the models that were a fairly common sight 20 or 30 years ago are now seldom seen on the roads of Britain – or even at classic car events. Indeed, in some cases they’re bordering on extinction.
Despite such rarity, some of the cars featured here are still in the doldrums value-wise. So if you should happen to spot one locally and can persuade its owner to sell, you might just end up with a bargain. Check out our ten top examples of classics that you scarcely see in the 21st century.
Launched in 1980 and running for a mere six years in Europe, the Fuego was Renault’s latest attempt at cracking the sports coupe market, which was still dominated by the Capri, Manta and Scirocco at the time. And while it managed to sell in reasonable numbers, it was never the major success of its three key rivals.
That’s why there are currently just 71 Fuegos still registered in the UK, more than half of which appear to be permanently off the road. It’s a sad end for a sporting coupe that always deserved better.
buspasser on 8 May 2017
I had a Santana. Unlike the Passat it had an Audi 2 litre 5 potPhilJohn on 8 May 2017
Thank God that we do not see these 10 on the road, how you can call these classics, isn't it obvious why we do not see them, wouldn't advise anybody to look out for and buy one of theses.David Chapman on 12 May 2017
You've clearly owned all 10 to be able to pass such judgements. Some of them were actually very good cars (the Samba, Y10, Fuego and Santana for instance - all of which I've owned or driven). A car not selling well isn't a reason to discount it, conversely just because something is rare, doesn't make it a classic! Perhaps the author needs to rename the article. A lot of poor car sales in the 80s were down to stereotyped consumer perception (e.g. all Italian cars rust, all French cars will break down), shoddy marketing and a less than enticing dealership nextwork.
Kev Sprack on 8 May 2017
The local Polski-Fiat dealer was previously a Wartburg dealer., only changing when Wartburg imports ceased. It says a lot that he considered them vastly inferior to the Wartburg (A fine little car! 60k miles in 4 years without a hiccup!), and refused to sell me one!
I also had a Citroen LNA. My first ever new car. One night, during a torrential rainstorm, on a country lane, it showed me what understeer meant! Straight into a stone wall on a bend. Other than that, it was quite a nice little car.
Edited by Kev Sprack on 08/05/2017 at 15:50
bobber on 8 May 2017
The photo of the FSO - on Polish plates - shows a rare example of a car in old communist Poland with it's windscreen wipers fitted. Usual practice was to remove them when parking up, otherwise they would get nicked while you were away!Johnfrog on 10 May 2017
I bought a Vauxhall Cavalier 2000cc GL Mk1 in 1978. Wonderful car in it's day but never appears in Honest John's Classic lists. The ones built in Luton fell to pieces but mine was made in Belgium in the Opel factory.....which is why I still own it !Add a comment