The Best British Cars

The United Kingdom is home to a surprisingly vibrant automotive landscape. While it may no longer boast some of the iconic brands that made its name in motoring history, the UK still has a number of independent manufacturers that cater to discerning car enthusiasts.

Many of these marques have a rich history behind them and continue to build cars that are revered by drivers around the world. From the MG to the Jaguar E-Type, these British-built cars are known for their unique design features and superior performance capabilities.

In addition to these esteemed marques, the UK also has a number of smaller companies that specialize in creating unique and bespoke automobiles. These include Caterham, Lister, and Zenos. Each of these automakers produces a single model, and they design, engineer, and manufacture their vehicles at their headquarters in England.

The Lister name is renowned for its original Lister-Bristol and Lister Storm sports cars. The company was founded in 1954 by Brian Lister, who was a two-time World Championship of Drivers winner. The company is now owned by the Japanese firm Mitsubishi. Caterham, on the other hand, is an English automaker that is primarily known for its high-performance sports cars. Founded in 2003, the company combines classic British engineering with modern technology to create automobiles that are both fast and agile.

Although the United Kingdom is best known for its sensible family cars, it has a strong reputation for building sports cars, too. The McLaren F1 and the original two-door Mini are just two examples of iconic British sports cars.

While some of these models were a bit spartan in terms of amenities, others were well-appointed and offered exceptional handling and speed. Moreover, the British-built vehicles were very affordable and easy to maintain.

Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Mini revolutionized the small car market when it first entered production in 1959. The Mini dominated the market for over 40 years, even as its competitors such as the Hillman Imp and Morris Marina struggled.

By the end of the 1970s, BLMC had been forced to reduce its production capacity and close plants in the face of mounting competition from Ford, Peugeot-Talbot, Vauxhall and GM’s European operations. Eventually, BL became a minor player and was ultimately absorbed by its parent company in the early 1980s.

If you are looking for a new or used car, consider one of these great British-built cars. They are a fun way to experience the thrill of driving a legendary automobile.