These are the longest living car models – including the VW Beetle and Mini

VOLKSWAGEN'S Beetle is truly the People's Car having been in production the longest out of all models in history, according to Autocar.

Earlier this month, the German carmaker also announced that the car's bigger and newer reincarnation will come to a definitive end next year.

Here's the top 10 longest living car models to mark the Beetle's demise.

10. Renault 12 (1969-2006) – 37 years

Selling around 2.5million units, Renault's family car was a hit in Europe.

This was particularly in Romania where it continued to be modified into the Dacia Logan for 26 years after the last Renault 12 had been made in France.

9. Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1979-2017) – 38 years

The G-Wagen has never faded in popularity and cool-factor over the last four decades.

It's been a staple in the garages of the rich and famous - with the unchanged boxy look only being updated with a hi-tech and luxurious interior.

8. Peugeot 504 (1968-2006) – 38 years

Another model in the news this month, the 504 was the basis of the incredible e-Legend concept car revealed by Peugeot at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Its popularity has been coined as the 'king of the road' in Africa, with the last specification made for the Nigerian market.

7. Mini (1959-2000) – 41 years

Although still in production under the BMW Group as MINI, the original British model ended production at the turn of the millennium.

The last-ever Mini was driven out of the Longbridge factory by fellow 1960s icon and singer Lulu.

6. Lada Niva (1977-present) – 41 years and counting

Now known as the Lada 4x4, the original model used parts from Fiat.

Its been the subject of many car jokes, but Lada remains Russia's best-selling autos brand with nearly 20 per cent market share.

5. Citroën 2CV (1948-1990) – 42 years

Celebrating its 70th birthday this year, the 2CV never really ventured too far from its purely practical design.

The loyalty to its era ultimately meant an end to production as car safety took precedence in Europe.

4. Hindustan Ambassador (1958-2014) – 56 years

India's cab was originally based on the Morris Oxford Series III - and changed little since.

The last Ambassador rolled out of its West Bengal factory in May 2014 with sales dropping to around 6,000 a year compared to 24,000 in the 1980s.

3. Morgan 4/4 (1955-present) – 63 years and counting

Arguably, the 4/4 should take the title of the longest made car model as it was first introduced in 1936 the 4-4.

However, production did temporarily stop during the outbreak of war and from 1951-55.

2. Volkswagen Type 2 (1949-2013) – 64 years

Better known as the Campervan, the Volkswagen is synonymous with the hippie era.

VW has planned a reinvention of the iconic bus with its I.D. Buzz electric concept.

1. Volkswagen Beetle (1938-2003) – 65 years

Type 2 is of course second to Type 1 - better known as the Beetle.

The Bug may see its Final Edition next year, but VW officially ended production in July 2003 after making more than 21million Beetles.