The Best British Cars of the 20th Century
Written by
In a world in which national icons can seem anachronistic, few are more timeless than the British car. Even in an era when most of the once-strong British automotive industry has been bought up by foreign owners, names like Rolls Royce, Mini, and MG hold an aura of elegant opulence.
If you’re looking to own a classic British car, it pays to know what you’re buying. So, to help you make an informed purchase we’ve analyzed the starting on-the-road (OTR) prices for the UK’s most popular small cars, medium cars and smaller SUVs. The figures below show you the average price paid for each model when new, including delivery charge, number plates, road tax and the first government registration fee.
Aston Martin has long had a reputation for mixing luxury and performance. It’s hard to argue with that, especially when it comes to the DB9. Named for its original owner, this iconic two-seat sports car remains one of the most beautiful and desirable vehicles in the world.
With the right equipment, the Aston Martin Vanquish is a formidable grand tourer. Its 510-horsepower V12 engine provides plenty of muscle and a satisfyingly involving driving experience. It’s also a surprisingly practical car that can seat four and still be used for daily commutes, which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to blend luxury and performance.
MG paved the way for light and affordable British sports cars with its tin-tops and wind-up windows, but the Triumph Spitfire took things to the next level with its legendary World War II fighter plane design. During its production run from 1962 to 1980, around 317,000 Spitfires were sold, and today it’s the most iconic British sports car in history.
The 1960s brought a steady stream of British imports into the market, including the Volkswagen Beetle and Ford’s Galaxy. The latter’s angular, eye-catching looks made it the perfect car to be driven by Emma Peel in The Avengers, and it was also owned by Jim Clark, one of the world’s greatest racing drivers.
For many people, the first British car they ever drove was a Mini. It was designed by Alex Issigonis, and its compact, space-saving design revolutionized the small car sector. It was the most popular car in Britain from 1959 to 1995, and its popularity has only increased with the launch of the modern fifth generation.
It’s easy to see why the Mini is so popular, as it offers a comfortable ride and impressive fuel economy for its size. It also looks great and can be customized to reflect its owner’s personality.
The iconic Jaguar F-Type is another British sports car that combines beauty and performance. It’s a well-rounded, rewarding car that can be customised with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and convertible or coupé body styles. It’s a stunningly beautiful car that will turn heads wherever it goes, and it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.