Great Britain has plenty to be proud of: tea-drinking skills, fuel cards, our distinct sense of humor, and amazing British-made cars that changed the motor industry. This list looks back at the iconic cars that shaped a time, and they aren’t ranked by speed or flashy looks like others. Instead, it honors the unique traits that make these cars truly memorable.
Lotus Elise
The late Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, designed the Lotus Elise with great care. Before the Elise arrived on the automotive scene, the company was facing challenges, so this car really helped restore their reputation as an outstanding car maker. First introduced in 1996, the Elise signaled the comeback of an affordable British sports car. It was also smartly designed—Chapman pushed to remove any extra bulk and weight from the Elise to enhance its performance and handling.
Aston Martin DB5
This speedster may be recognized worldwide as the car belonging to James Bond in Goldfinger, but the DB5 doesn’t need the glamour of 007 to make it appealing. Released in 1963, the Aston Martin dazzled with its incredibly high performance and sophisticated feel featuring pile carpet interior and electric windows – features we may take for granted now but an innovation in the early 1960’s. The DB5 was (and still is!) a statement of luxury and style, certain to make anyone feel like a secret agent.
Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II
First launched in 1959, The Silver Cloud II merged class and sophistication with practicality. A vast improvement upon its former model, the second Silver Cloud was the first Rolls Royce-produced car to feature a V8 engine, which gave it an impressive top speed of around 115 mph. The acceleration and stoppage times were also extraordinary (reaching 0-60 mph in roughly 10 seconds); remarkable for such a heavily built car! The Silver Cloud didn’t let its weight limit its potential and this is why it is still seen as a feat of engineering today.
Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type was as much of a ‘60’s icon as Twiggy or The Beatles with its sassy appearance and incredible performance. First launched onto the motor scene in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type became an overnight success for Jaguar, selling over 70,000 during its brief lifespan. Even Enzo Ferrari was bowled over by the E-Type, claiming it to be the most beautiful car ever made. High praise indeed! The Jaguar E-Type had incredible looks and the performance to back it up, making it more than capable of keeping up with other sports models of the time. For many this will always remain THE ultimate British car.
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