Top 50 Iconic British Vehicles, According to Experts - Do Your Choices Match Their Selections?
Article Rewrite:
Who's the crown prince of British cars? It's an ongoing debate with folks lining up to spout their opinions when it comes to picking the best UK-built vehicle from the past and present.
But which one stands out as the cream of the crop? Well, according to Auto Express's panel of motoring experts, it's none other than the original Mini. That's right, the beloved, iconic Mini has once again taken the title of Britain's greatest automotive creation. But is there room for debate? Could some other cars have been overlooked?
Before diving into the finer details of the list, let's explore the factors that Auto Express's panel considered: engineering pedigree, design, commercial success, significance in automotive history, and lasting impact on the hearts of motorists. With an initial list of 75 vehicles to choose from, a grueling process of whittling down the list to just 50 began. After much debate, the panel attempted to rank the cream of the crop based on their collective merits.
Steve Walker of Auto Express, one of the panel members, shared his thoughts on the process. "When we began our mission to find the best British cars of all time, many of us suspected that, after the arguing, the Mini would come out on top. It's hard to argue against a British car that's had such an influence over such a long period of time. You could even say that the qualities that made the Mini—and its BMW successor—great are still widely relevant and desired today."
Still unconvinced with the final selection? Let's take a look at what made the cut:
Honorable Mentions (50-11)
- McLaren 720S (2017-2023)
- Austin Metro (1980-1990)
- Triumph Stag (1970-1977)
- Vauxhall Viva (1963-1983)
- Aston Martin Valkyrie (2021-2024)
- Toyota Auris/Corolla (1997-present)
- DeLorean DMC12 (1981-1982)
- Morgan Plus 4 (1950-2020)
- AC Ace/Cobra (1953-1967)
- Austin Healey 3000 (1959-1968)
- Aston Martin Vantage (2004-18)
- Jaguar F-Type (2013-2024)
- Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906-1926)
- Vauxhall Cavalier (1977-1995)
- TVR Chimaera (1992-2003)
- Ford Fiesta (1976-2002)
- Honda Civic (1994-2021)
- Aston Martin DB9 (2003-2016)
- Land Rover Freelander (1997-07)
- Ariel Atom (2000-present)
- Jensen FF (1966-1971)
- Bentley Blower (1929-1931)
- Jaguar XJ6 (1968-1973)
- Rover SD1 (1976-1986)
- Ford Cortina (1962-1982)
- Jaguar XJ220 (1992-1994)
- Nissan Leaf (2013-present)
- Lotus Elan Mk1 (1962-1973)
- Bentley Continental GT (2004-present)
- McLaren P1 (2013-2015)
- Ford Sierra (1982-1993)
- Nissan Qashqai (2007-present)
- Morris Minor (1948-1971)
- Austin Seven (1922-1939)
- Lotus Esprit (1976-2004)
- Jaguar Mk2 (1959-1969)
- Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003-2017)
- Ford Escort (1968-2002)
- Jaguar XK120 (1948-1954)
- MGB (1962-1980)
The Top Ten
- Land Rover Discovery (1989-1998)
- Ford GT40 (1964-1969)
- Caterham/Lotus Seven (1957-present)
- Lotus Elise (1996-2021)
- Aston Martin DB5 (1963-1965)
- McLaren F1 (1992-1998)
- Range Rover (1970-present)
- Land Rover Series/Defender (1948-2016)
- Jaguar E-Type (1961-1974)
- Mini (1959-2000)
Do you agree with this list, or do you think some cars were snubbed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
[1] "After 68 years, the Land Rover Defender is no more." This is Money. [Online]. 29 Jan 2016. [Accessed on 4 May 2022.] https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/motors/pictures/article-3360255/The-Land-Rover-Defender-s-curtain-finally-dropped-68-years-years-production.html
[2] "Astounding rise of the 2CV." AutoExpress. [Online]. 14 Mar 2011. [Accessed on 4 May 2022.] https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/75334/astounding-rise-of-the-citroen-2cv
[3] "Britain's Top Gear reveals the UK's all-time best selling cars." Car Dealer Magazine. [Online]. 9 May 2021. [Accessed on 4 May 2022.] https://www.cardealermagazine.co.uk/news/brights-track-12-sales-leaders/
[4] "Catherine Zeta-Jones Chases McLaren F1's $20M Hammer." Forbes. [Online]. 17 Jun 2017. [Accessed on 4 May 2022.] https://www.forbes.com/sites/lewismasonipso/2017/06/17/catherine-zeta-jones-chases-mclaren-fs-20m-hammer/?sh=472056814d78
[5] "Most expensive 1990s cars ever sold at auction." The Telegraph. [Online]. 7 Nov 2017. [Accessed on 4 May 2022.] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/developing-story/the-most-expensive-1990s-cars-ever-sold-at-auction/
- In the realm of the automotive industry, the McLaren F1's record-breaking auction price of over $20 million in 2017, showcasing the financial significance of certain sports cars like this one.
- However, one must also consider the impact of transportation vehicles in sports, such as the Land Rover Defender's crucial role in the industry for over six decades before its production ended in 2016.
