When it comes to classic cars, Britain has left its mark on the industry. Design heavyweights like Alec Issigonis and William Lyons revolutionised the car manufacturing process. There have been a number of memorable British cars over the years, including the Mini and Austin-Healey 3000. With so many beautiful designs, it’s impossible to pick just one car. So, here are some of the greatest British classic cars of all time.
Aston Martin DB5
Forever remembered as the quintessential James Bond vehicle, the Aston Martin DB5 is a stunning car. It had a 4.0-litre engine that allowed it to reach a speed of 143 mph. The magnesium-alloy body was shiny and the interior featured a full leather trim. With a sterling reputation and impressive performance, the DB5 is definitely a memorable British car.
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II
Rolls-Royce have always been known for luxury, and this was no different with the Silver Cloud II. Introduced in 1959, the car was the first to feature a 6.2-litre V8 engine. This version improved on the original by adding a number of understated changes. These included enhancements to the ventilation system and blue instrument lighting for the interior. The Silver Cloud’s elegance became a blueprint for future cars.
Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S was a racer version of the iconic car that Sir Alec issigonis designed. He collaborated with his friend, John Cooper, who owned the Cooper Car Company. The Cooper S combined the compact shape of the original Mini with a powerful 1071 cc engine. The Mini has frequently been called one of the best classic cars in history, making it an icon of British pop culture.
Jaguar E-Type
For many people, when they think of a British classic car, the Jaguar E-Type is the one that comes to mind. Enzo Ferrari once called it the most beautiful car ever made and it’s not hard to see why. With a long, sleek bonnet and smooth body, the Jaguar E-Type was the epitome of style.
Morgan Plus 8
Morgan had a reputation for designing luxury cars, and the Morgan Plus 8 became their crown jewel. Introduced in 1968, the Plus 8 looked like something from a bygone era, but it handled extremely well. It proved to be successful enough that the model was produced all the way up to 2004.
Austin-Healey 3000
The Austin-Healey 3000, produced in 1959, was a stylish motor. It had a strong racing heritage, participating in competitions like Le Mans and the Mount Panorama Circuit. The car possessed a light, demountable frame, wire wheels, overdrive gearbox and laminated windscreen.
