BRITAIN is stacked with motor enthusiasts – many of whom are proud owners to classic and vintage cars.
But only a few models are in the running for the crown of Britain’s rarest.
From a 70s Nissan driven by just eight people to a 1982 Lancia with just two surviving specimens – here are some of the contenders.
1974 Datsun 100A Cherry Saloon
1974 Datsun 100A Cherry Saloon[/caption]
This was the first front-wheel-drive car that Nissan ever made.
There are thought to be only eight Cherry saloons surviving on Britain’s roads.
But just over 50 years ago, this became the first foreign-made model many Brits ever bought.
The Cherry design was inherited by Nissan from Prince Motors in 1966.
Its first iteration debuted in October 1970 with a transverse engine, all-independent suspension and rack and pinion steering.
The Cherry release hit the UK market just before the Nissan’s surge in sales.
The company sold just over 6,000 cars in 1971 but more than 30,000 the following year.
1982 Lancia Beta 1600 S3
1982 Lancia Beta 1600 S3[/caption]
This model is a relic from the era when Lancia outsold Volvo, Audi and BMW in the UK.
The Beta model first hit the road in 1972 and arrived in the UK in 1973.
The earlier Beta models were hit by a “rust scandal” that saw Lancia buy most of the cars and crush them.
The ordeal cost parent company Fiat around £1million – a huge sum back then.
There are just two Series 3 of the Beta 1600 model left in the UK – thought only 52 ever came into the country.
1974 Ford Escort Mk1 1300L Estate
1974 Ford Escort Mk1 1300L Estate[/caption]
This model cuts a shape typical of its era.
They were a staple of the nation – often being used as police and company cars.
Production of the Escort began in the UK in 1967 and they hit the road in January 1968.
This “L” model was the upmarket version of a basic escort.
For a higher price, buyers got hazard warning lights, a heated rear window, reversing lights, “loop pile carpets” and “passenger grab handles”.
There is only a handful of the 1300L model left in the UK.
1975 Peugeot 304 GL
1975 Peugeot 304 GL[/caption]
Just two of these cars are still to be found in the country.
During the 1970s Peugeot was admired as a quality brand – and this 304 was the amongst its most acclaimed designs.
This model’s predecessor – the 204 – was Peugeot’s first front-wheel-drive car, and its first with all-independent suspension and front disc brakes.
The 304 was launched at the 1969 Paris Motor Salon and UK sales began in 1970.
The GL was the entry-level model and cost £2,032 when first released in 1975.
1979 Volvo 264 GLE
1979 Volvo 264 GLE[/caption]
The 264 GLE is the six-cylinder version of the better-known 244.
The bigger engine offered more power – and more status.
The 264 was flaunted with the catchphrase: “No one expects your directors to lower their sights. Just their risks.”
It was described by Autocar as “a whole lot of motor car”.
There are not a whole lot left, however – 18 in the UK, to be precise.
