By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Is now the time to snap up a classic 1990s car?
According to data from the DVLA, popular motors from the previous quarter century are dwindling in numbers fast.
Here’s a snap shot of some of the models nearing the end of the road in 2026.
Leading the way is one of the most successful Vauxhalls ever – the Cavalier. Only 900 remain from 1.2 million registered in the mid-1990s.
Fords have been disappearing in big numbers too. Take the Orion. Only 272 survive today from 450,000 registered in 1994, whilst the first generation Focus – launched in 1998 – is vanishing at a rate of 25% a year.
It’s a similar story for the original Mini replacement – the Austin Metro. Around 250 remain, yet two million were made between 1980 and 1998.
The Rover 400 is another rare find today, with only a handful of these once popular four and five-door Rovers left on our roads.
But, it’s not all bad news. There are many older drivers determined to keep their cherished 90’s motor going.
Rod Dennis from the RAC said: “In spite of the costs of keeping older cars running, it will be with misty-eyed affection that some drivers are keeping these 1900s stalwarts on Britain’s roads.”
Dale Keller of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance added that millennials are keeping classic motors going as they are looking for ‘authentic driving experiences’.
“These 1990s underdogs were the first decade of truly modern constructed vehicles that offered economy, performance and durability if well serviced,” he said.
It seems that the ‘pull of the past’ could yet give these remaining 90s classics many more years of happy motoring.
In 2026, Classic Yorkshire aims to feature many motoring gems from the decade.