10 of the Best British Cars of All Time
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When it comes to iconic cars, Britain has punched well above its weight in the past. From the original Mini to the modern day offerings from the likes of Rolls-Royce and McLaren, Britain has produced some hugely impressive vehicles over the years.
These days, the nation’s car makers are still punching above their weight in terms of luxury. Whether it’s through perfectly-designed models or incredible features and specs, these British automakers know how to create a luxurious ride. If you’re in the market for a new luxury vehicle, here are 10 of the best British cars you should consider checking out.
It’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially British car than the Triumph Herald, an unassuming little roadster that helped generations of young drivers learn to drive. While it might not have been the fastest or flashiest car on the road, its intuitive handling and party trick – a 7.6m turning circle – made it one of the most popular vehicles of its time. The Herald is also notable for being the first British car to have a steering wheel lock, an innovation that allowed drivers to keep their hands on the wheel in tricky situations.
While it’s a bit of a stretch to call the Lotus Elise one of the UK’s most iconic cars, its bonded aluminium construction and snazzy interior are enough to earn this sports car a place on our list. The Elise is a true British classic and is the only car on this list to have won both the World Car of the Year and Car of the Decade awards.
As a manufacturer that’s been around since the end of the First World War, Jaguar is a name synonymous with luxury. The brand’s current model range offers everything from a sports car to an SUV, with the XJ Ultimate being one of its finest models. It offers a perfected driving experience and a gorgeous design, with the cabin being packed to the rafters with high-tech gadgets.
The MG ZS is the smaller of this British manufacturer’s two SUVs, with its sleek looks making it a solid alternative to cars like the Nissan Juke. It also features a frugal petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid version, making it an affordable entry into the world of electric motoring.
Despite a shaky economy, the UK is still home to some of the world’s most revered and beloved automakers. The venerable Rolls-Royce and Bentley are a testament to the country’s ability to produce world-class luxury vehicles, with both brands offering their most opulent offerings. The Bentley Continental GT V8 Speed is a masterpiece of engineering, with its powerful V8 engine producing a staggering 563 horsepower. The car can be driven by up to four people in comfort, and it has a retractable panoramic glass roof for the ultimate in open air luxury. It also has a fully-loaded cabin that’s adorned with soft leather from Scottish Highland cows. The interior is also fitted with a dual-view display, and the rear seats even feature iPads that allow passengers to enjoy films and games at their leisure.