The Best British Cars of the 1960s
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Whether you’re looking for a fast sports car or a stylish family car there’s something for everyone.
British cars are known for their classic design and quality build. This is especially true of the many brands that still make cars by hand.
The British automotive industry has a long history of creating some of the world’s most famous and iconic cars. From the Aston Martin DB5, Bentley 4 1/2 Litre and Jaguar E-Type, there are a variety of British cars that have become household names around the globe.
One of the most notable of these is the Mini, a small car that revolutionised the market in 1959 and has been a major part of the British car industry ever since. The last version of the original Mini rolled off the production line in 2000 after nearly 41 years.
During the 1960s, British sales of small and medium-sized cars were among the most successful in the world. BMC’s iconic two-door Mini became a major contender in this sector, along with Hillman Minx and Rootes Group’s similar-sized Imp. Foreign imports, particularly from Italy and France, also enjoyed decent sales in this sector.
Larger family cars were also popular during the 1960s, mainly in the form of Austin and Morris 1800 models, as well as the Ford Cortina and Vauxhall Victor. BL’s own offerings in this sector included the Anglia and Escort, while Peugeot-Talbot produced its Talbot badged vehicles at its Ryton plant near Coventry.
Another popular model in the small car category was the Fiat 125, which was imported from Poland to Britain. This was a reasonably priced alternative to the Mini and Hillman Minx, as well as comparable foreign cars like the Renault 5.
Some of the most popular rear-engined saloons in Britain during this period were built by Skoda (which later became Volkswagen-owned) and Zastava’s Yugo-badged cars. These sported a range of traditional rear-engined designs that were more spacious than the Mini and were often more affordable than the larger rivals.
The Lotus Esprit, a mid-engined sports car from the same period, was also a huge hit with UK buyers. The car, which was a popular choice with celebrities and sports stars of the time, had a top speed of over 100 miles per hour and could be equipped in a coupe or roadster bodystyle.
In terms of luxury, there are some truly fantastic and exclusive models on offer from the aforementioned Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The flagship Bentley Mulsanne is perhaps the most impressive example of the class. Its outsized performance and luxurious accommodations set it apart from the competition, making it a worthy inclusion on this list of best British cars.
Aston Martin is another iconic British marque that has a strong reputation for producing some of the world’s finest motoring experiences. Their DB5 is a particular favourite of James Bond, and the Vantage is a great choice for families.
MG is another British company that has changed a lot over the years, from being famed for its sports cars to becoming a leading manufacturer of family-friendly vehicles. The latest models are a good option for those who want a comfortable driving experience, with plenty of space, low running costs and lots of standard features.