Driving through automotive history, British automakers have made some of the most stylish, affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive cars ever seen. Whether they are from popular brands or more obscure ones, these British cars are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts. They check every box of what makes a special classic car: retro styling, rarity, and character.
These British classic cars are just as beautiful, powerful, and fun as some more expensive modern cars, and the best part is you don’t have to remortgage your home to own one.
10/10 1991 Lotus Elan M100 – $13,100
When the designer of the McLaren F1 works on the Lotus Elan M100, there’s no way it won’t be brilliant from the interior to the exterior. Powering the 1991 Lotus Elan M100 is an Isuzu twin-cam 1,588 cc unit that makes a respectable 130 hp with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds.
With its exceptionally stiff steel backbone chassis and interactive front suspension, the Elan M100 offers superb driving dynamics and handling. For a small Lotus, the Elan M100 packs a lot of luxury features including leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as tinted and power windows. You can find a 1991 Lotus Elan M100 that still runs and drives well for just $13,100.
9/10 1976 Jaguar XJ-12C – $24,600
With just around 10,426 coupes, the XJ-12 C is one of Jaguar’s most exclusive models. In fact, just 2,262 examples come with a V12. So, getting a 1976 Jaguar XJ-12C with a 5.3-liter V12 for less than $25,000 is a steal.
The Jaguar produces up to 244 hp, which is quite impressive by the 1970s standard. The leather seats and walnut fascias on the Jaguar XJ-12 C still look gorgeous today. The XJ-12 C is perfect for cruising around town, but don’t consider it as a replacement E-Type.
8/10 1997 Aston Martin DB7 – $20,600
With Ford Motor Co. coming to save Aston Martin from the brink of collapse, the British automaker built over 7,000 examples of the DB7, making it the highest-produced Aston Martin model ever. Despite its unprecedented production numbers, the DB7 was by no means pedestrian. The sinewy styling is better than any other Aston Martin design over the last 20 years.
Under the hood was a 3.2-liter supercharged 6-cylinder engine that pumps out 335 hp. Shifting duties are handled by a four-speed automatic or manual transmission. With roughly $20,600, you can add the 1997 Aston Martin DB7 to your classic car collection.
7/10 1985 Lotus Esprit S2.2 Turbo – $22,900
The Lotus Esprit unveiled in 1976 retains the wedge-shaped styling of the 1972 concept car. The ride and handling are just as brilliant as the styling. The 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine with the 5-speed transmission was enough to put out 165 hp.
The Lotus Esprit dashes to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and tops out at 138 mph. For a car that you can classify as exotic, the current market value is quite reasonable. Plus, repair and maintenance costs are nowhere near that of a Ferrari.
6/10 1994 TVR Chimaera 450 Convertible – $13,108
If you need a convertible from the 1990s with unruly road manners and supercar trouncing acceleration, the TVR Chimaera is one of your best bets. Thanks to the supple suspension setup, the TVR Chimaera makes for a good daily driver.
The 1994 iteration gets its energy from a 5.0-liter V8 that spits out 290 hp and 352 lb-ft of torque. Although you can get a neatly used 1994 TVR Chimaera for less than $15,000, the convertible requires lots of care to keep it going.
5/10 1973 Lotus Europa – $24,691
The low-cost mid-engined Lotus Europa is a joy to drive. Unlike the conventional-looking Elan, the Europa was quite unique for its time. With roughly 7 inches lower than a Corvette Stingray, the Europa looks faster than it actually is. Lotus lifts the Europa’s 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine from the Renault R16.
The sensitive and light steering feels excellent, but it’s easy to oversteer around tight corners. The interior doesn’t come with anything extraordinary, but the seats are quite comfy. Just about $25,000 can get you a clean 1973 Lotus Europa Twin-Cam Special.
4/10 1995 Land Rover Range Rover 25th Anniversary – $28,100
The limited-edition Land Rover was introduced to mark the 25th anniversary of the Range Rover nameplate. Land Rover’s dexterity in combining performance, luxury, and comfort is once again evident in the 1995 Range Rover 25th Anniversary. The face-like grille and sharp-looking wheels still look incredible by today’s standards.
Even though the special edition Range Rover is from the 1990s, it comes with electric windows, a power sunroof, as well as heated and power-adjustable front seats. The power source is a 5.0-liter V8 paired with a four-speed ZF transmission.
3/10 1991 Jaguar XJ-S – $9,600
The Jaguar XJ-S is more of an evolution of the E-Type than a replacement. The flying buttresses trailing from the rooftop to the squared-off tail distinguish the XJ-S from the curvaceous and sinewy styling of the E-Type. The XJ-S is more suitable for cruising around town in comfort than spirited driving.
The 1991 Jaguar XJ-S sedan derives its power from a 4.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with an output of 223 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. As the longest-running Jaguar model ever, you can still find a 1991 XJ-S for less than $10,000 today.
2/10 1989 Bentley Eight – $13,100
The Eight is Bentley’s idea of an entry-level model in the 1980s, with a less lounge-like and more sporty interior. Going for less than $15,000, the Bentley Eight is a great way to turn heads on the street without going bankrupt. Powering the Eight is a 6.75-liter V8 that makes 220 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
With Bosch’s K-Jetronic injection, the 6.75-liter V8 fires up quickly. You can’t deny that the Eight feels effortless and muscular, whether on an open road or in traffic. Gliding from state to state is not much of a problem with the standard four-speed automatic gearbox that slides imperceptibly.
1/10 1969 Jaguar XJ6 4.2 – $15,700
Coming in before the end of 1968, the XJ6 is the last Jaguar to benefit from the design input of Sir William Lyons, the co-founder of Jaguar Cars Limited. With concerted efforts on drivability and safety, the used Jaguar XJ6s were more desirable than some new cars introduced during that era.
However, you can get a 1969 Jaguar XJ6 that still retains its original features for just about $16,000. The 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder cranks out 245 hp. You will appreciate the fine balance between luxury and performance in the Jaguar XJ6.
