Which beloved motors are disappearing from UK roads? We’re passionate about preserving automotive history. That’s why we’ve uncovered 30 iconic cars predicted to vanish by 2035.
By analysing UK government data on licensed vehicles (2020–2023), we’ve calculated the average declines in car registrations by make/model. Forecasting these trends, we’ve uncovered 30 cars predicted to disappear from our roads by 2035.
Our car extinctions predicted in 2020, like the Renault Laguna and Peugeot 206, have thankfully seen delays in their downfall due to government petrol deadlines and a growing interest in classic cars.
Let’s celebrate these iconic models – from British classics to cars with a ‘Marmite’ design – and what makes them unforgettable cars.
The Ford Maverick 4×4, launched in 1993, was a joint venture with Nissan, offering two wheelbase lengths to appeal to families and younger buyers. With petrol and turbodiesel engines, it features car-like handling and tailored specifications to distinguish it from the popular Nissan's Terrano II.
Despite mostly imports existing on UK roads, the Ford Maverick is favoured for its outstanding reliability, refined quietness, and spacious design, surpassing many contemporaries. Design revisions in 1995 and 1996 brought aesthetic enhancements, feature upgrades, and improved engines. Production concluded in 2003, with the Ford Escape succeeding the Maverick.
The Ford Maverick marked a milestone for Ford in Europe, being its first-ever 4×4 model, contrasting with Ford America’s long-standing tradition of producing such vehicles since 1965. Regardless of its unique legacy, the Maverick is predicted to vanish by Q4 2025. The Maverick’s decline could be attributed to its lack of distinctive appeal compared to rivals like the Land Rover Freelander, and its pricey replacement parts.
The Vauxhall Frontera, based on Isuzu’s MU design, played a key role in transitioning 4×4 vehicles from rugged off-roaders to modern SUVs. Launched in two body styles – leisure-focused Sport and family-friendly estates – it offers a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines. While early models lacked refinement, the Frontera gained traction in Europe before its succession by the Vauxhall Antara.
The extinction of the Vauxhall Frontera is regrettable. It was developed by an international team of engineers to meet the needs of the European market and debuted at the 1991 Geneva Show, marketed as an “all-wheel-drive recreational vehicle” that displays a robust blend of off-road capability and recreational versatility.
This model became a popular choice in Europe during the 1990s, becoming Europe’s best-selling off-roader in 1993 and 1994. However, the Frontera is predicted to vanish from UK roads by Q4 2025, with its decline in popularity credited to the build quality issues for early 2.2 petrol models and changes to its suspension systems across newer models.
The Nissan Terrano II was launched in June 1993 as part of a joint venture with Ford and was offered as a 122bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 100bhp 2.7-litre turbo diesel. The Nissan Terrano II closely resembled the Ford Maverick, yet it outsold its counterpart significantly, thanks to sharper pricing and a superior warranty. These factors made it a more attractive option for buyers. Available in three or five- door body styles, it features various trim levels and special editions. Facelifts in 1996 and 2000 brought updated styling, improved features, and enhanced comfort.
The Terrano II was eventually succeeded by the Nissan Terra and Nissan Xterra, continuing Nissan’s legacy in the 4×4 market with modernised designs and improved performance.
Offering a reputation for reliability, rugged build, and off-road comfort, the Nissan Terrano remains a valuable second-hand purchase and has been a dependable choice for many suburban 4×4 enthusiasts, however, the registered licences for Terrano II are predicted to completely disappear in the UK by Q1 2026. The Terrano’s decline stems from its struggle to compete with more modern rivals such as the Land Rover Freelander and Kia Sorento which offer refined engine noises and improved legroom.
The Fiat Multipla, produced from 1998 to 2010, is known for its unconventional design, featuring a low, wide floor and high, domed roof, allowing for a unique three-abreast seating arrangement. After a 2004 facelift, the car gained a more conventional look, appealing to a broader market.
Despite these improvements, the Type 186 Multipla remained a ‘Marmite’ car, with buyers either loving or hating its distinctive car and camper crossover design.
There was a 30-year gap between the Fiat Multipla and its predecessor, the Fiat 600 Multipla, with only the quirky seating layout connecting the models. The Multipla was eventually succeeded by the Fiat 500L, which continued Fiat's focus on versatile, family-friendly vehicles.
Designed from scratch and unlike any other car model, the Fiat Multipla gained iconic status for its unique styling. Its design is so distinct that it was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
However, despite its originality, the Multipla is predicted to vanish by Q2 2026 due to its inability to capture wide appeal in the UK. Its odd appearance and dated interior made it less desirable.
Launched in May 1996, the Citroën Saxo was initially available in three-door models with 1.1i and 1.4i engines. Five-door variants and a 1.5-litre diesel engine followed later that year. In 1997, the hot hatch versions, VTR and VTS, were introduced. The Saxo saw two updates, with tweaks to the design and the engine, before being replaced by the Citroën C2.
Despite the Citroën Saxo’s polarising styling and handling, it’s often favoured by learner drivers for its compact size, affordability and low insurance costs. Easy to fix, it’s an economical car to run. It’s likely the Citroen Saxo gave more teenagers their first taste of automotive freedom between 1996 and 2005 (its peak popularity) than any other car.
The Citroën Saxo is known for its substantial boot space and lightweight design, making even the base 1.0 and 1.1-litre engines feel sprightly. A favourite among 90s car enthusiasts, it became ground zero for the decade’s modification scene. However, due to ongoing registration declines, the Saxo is predicted to vanish by Q2 2026. Popularity for the Saxo waned due to its poor Euro NCAP crash test score which highlighted the non-existent deadlocks in its design.
Introduced in 1998, the imported Mitsubishi Challenger offered a more affordable alternative to the brand’s flagship Shogun. The Challenger was marketed as a more affordable version of the Pajero.
Available with a 2.5 turbo diesel or 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, it became a popular choice for those seeking reliability, dependable off-road performance – with climbing angles of up to 37° and wading at depths of up to 500mm – and towing capability of up to 2,800kg.
In 2002, the Challenger was rebranded as the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport. Loved for its ruggedness and practicality, the classic 4×4 is revered for its ability to handle tough conditions at an accessible price. The Challenger’s successor, the Mitsubishi Endeavor, continued its legacy with updated features and styling.
The Challenger is predicted to vanish from UK roads by Q3 2026, with its decline credited to its lack of daily comfort, handling, and refinement. The Challenger also boasts high fuel consumption and limited safety features making it a less appealing 4×4.
The Rover 400 Series was designed in collaboration with Honda and launched in 1990 as a saloon version of the second-generation Rover 200. Its second generation, introduced in 1995, was based on the Honda Domani, offering more space and comfort than rival models.
Known for its long-distance ride qualities and innovative suspension system, the Rover 400 has become a favourite British classic. It was succeeded by the Rover 45, which continued the brand’s legacy of British-built reliability and performance.
The Rover 400 shares many components with the Honda Domani and the Rover 200. Notably, the R8 Rover 200 and 400 models marked the start of Rover’s four-series family. These cars introduced a blend of British engineering and Japanese technology, offering both performance and comfort.
The Rover 400 stood out for its spacious interior, innovative suspension and solid build quality, earning it a loyal following. Despite its popularity, the Rover 400 is expected to be completely phased out by Q3 2026, with its decline stemming from Rover’s lack of profit with collaboration with Honda and selling to BMW in 1994.
The Peugeot 106 was launched in 1991 and quickly became a popular choice for new drivers due to its affordability and practicality. Available in both three-door and five-door variants, it was offered with a range of engines, from 1.0 to 1.6-litres.
Loved for its versatility, the 106 is competitive in racing but can also serve as a reliable family car. Its successor, the Peugeot 107, continued its legacy as a favourite learner car. Though a ‘Marmite’ model, due to its compact size and quirky design, the 106 is cherished for being reliable and cheap to run.
In 1995, Peugeot introduced the 106 Electrique, an electric-powered version available in countries like the UK and France. This highlighted Peugeot’s early commitment to environmentally friendly vehicles. Sadly, the 106 is predicted to disappear by Q4 2026, as more fuel-efficient hatchbacks with modern features entered the market.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser, introduced in 2000, was a bold, five-door vehicle inspired by 1930s aesthetics, with design hints particularly taken from a 1937 Ford. It features a spacious, flexible interior with high rooflines and versatile seating configurations. A turbocharged GT model was introduced in 2003.
Despite its divisively quirky appearance, the PT Cruiser gained popularity for its unique character and practicality. Its distinctiveness, both in style and functionality, makes it a memorable but polarising model from Chrysler. It was succeeded by the Chrysler Delta in 2011.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser, built at the Toluca plant in Mexico, pioneered innovative computer technology to reduce pre-production time and costs. In 2001, it won the prestigious North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit Auto Show, cementing its place in automotive history. Sadly, the PT Cruiser is expected to disappear from the UK by 2026 Q4, likely for its divisive design, poor fuel economy and a lack of updates or innovations during its lifespan.
The Rover 200 Series, launched in 1989, was a collaboration with Honda and available as a five-door hatchback. Known for its spaciousness and large boot, the 200 Series was a popular British classic car, beloved for its practicality and distinctive design. The 200 evolved into the Rover 25 in 1999, offering sportier handling and a revamped front end.
The Rover 200 Series spanned three distinct generations, starting with the 1984 debut of the Honda Ballade-based model, which offered the reliable Honda engine. The second generation, launched in 1989, introduced a more distinctive design, with its hatchback body style. The third-generation Rover 200, introduced in 1995 as the R3, was aimed at competing with cars like the Ford Focus and featured a modern design and Rover’s K-Series engines. The 200Vi and MG ZR variants added sporty appeal.
After being renamed the Rover 25, the model’s production ended with MG Rover’s collapse in 2005. The Rover 200 is now predicted to vanish by Q2 2027, with its decline credited to reliability issues that included head gasket failures in later models. This hurt the Rover reputation and, paired with troubled ownership, caused drivers to ditch the 200.
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Back in 2020, our car extinction predictions suggested the Renault Laguna, Peugeot 206 and Vauxhall Vectra would vanish from UK roads by 2022. However, according to the Department of Transport data, as of 2024 Q2, all three models remain on our roads, albeit in significantly reduced numbers.
The Renault Laguna, once boasting 22,586 registered vehicles at the end of 2019, has dwindled to just 5,804. The Peugeot 206, with 150,118 registrations in 2019, still has a surprising 31,071 remaining. Similarly, the Vauxhall Vectra, predicted to disappear by 2022 Q3, has 22,027 vehicles compared to 97,738 in 2019.
These delayed extinction dates underscore the challenges of forecasting car model longevity. Factors such as the government’s evolving petrol and diesel phase-out deadlines, the growing numbers of classic car owners and the availability of reproduction parts, like BMW offers, have all extended the lives of these vehicles. Additionally, their repurposing for road trips or camping, fuelled by internet trends and car shows, has kept them relevant, even as numbers decline.
Endangered cars like the Rover 200 and Peugeot 106 are rich in history and appeal but face declining numbers due to age and obsolescence. These vehicles evoke nostalgia and are cultural touchpoints for enthusiasts, making preservation important.
Specialist insurance brokers like Adrian Flux cater to the unique needs of endangered car owners, tailoring policies that account for rarity, value and specialised maintenance. As these cars disappear from mainstream use, our expertise ensures owners can enjoy and preserve their vehicles with confidence.