The history of English cars is a distillation of passion, style, and ingenuity. From Jaguar to Aston Martin, from Rolls-Royce to Morgan Motors, each British brand embodies a part of the prestige of the global automotive industry, blending tradition and innovation.
English cars are a way of life, a unique signature on the road. Behind each model, a luxury car, full of character, with inimitable lines. Vivacar.fr offers you a focus on the most emblematic English car brands, each of which is an essential part of the myth.
List of English car brands that have marked automotive history
Aston Martin (1913)
An icon of British motoring, Aston Martin embodies the quintessential English luxury car. The brand is synonymous with refinement, power, and exclusivity. It has established itself on the racetrack as well as on the red carpet thanks to its sculptural designs. A long-standing partner of James Bond, each vehicle produced by this British manufacturer combines luxury and performance. On the market, buying an Aston, new or used, is like embracing the prestige of an entire English tradition. A car with character, designed to seduce the road… and the eye.
Aston Martin flagship models:
DB5: Legendary thanks to Agent 007, the DB5 embodies the quintessential English luxury car: elegance, performance, and cinematic appeal. An icon among collector cars, it is one of the most sought-after models in the world.
Vantage: This sleek sports car combines raw power with refined comfort. Featured prominently in British car advertisements, the Vantage symbolizes dynamic British luxury and offers an exhilarating drive, both on the road and on the track.
DBX: A true grand touring masterpiece, the DB11 combines sculptural elegance, a muscular V8 or V12 engine, and premium comfort. It is the perfect embodiment of modern British luxury, blending performance and distinction with inimitable class.
Austin (1906)
A pioneer of the British automotive industry, Austin marked the beginning of the car accessible to all. The brand shaped British mobility with simple, robust, and popular vehicles. It has made its mark on history, notably with the legendary Austin Seven, often considered the “first car” of many families. Less focused on luxury, more geared towards everyday use, Austin nevertheless introduced major innovations such as the compact gearbox and efficient steering. Today, its models are prized by collectors, second-hand car buyers, or for vintage restoration.
Austin flagship models:
Austin 7: Nicknamed the “people’s car,” the Austin 7 powered England between the wars. Compact and economical, it has become a cult classic among classic British cars and those restored by enthusiasts.
Austin Healey 3000: This sports roadster delivers pure sensations and sensual lines. It remains an iconic model among 1960s British cars, coveted for its looks and characterful engine.
Original Mini: Long before the standalone Mini brand, it was an Austin! This clever little city vehicle revolutionized the British automobile, with an ultra-compact design that has become a cult classic, imported in large numbers, and often seen on French roads.
Bentley (1919)
At Bentley, everything is about refined excess. This British manufacturer has become synonymous with English luxury cars, both powerful and sumptuously detailed. Bentley models combine traditional craftsmanship with technical innovation. Each vehicle exudes distinction, from the roadworthiness to the finish of the dashboard. Today, the brand is popular in France, both for the purchase of a new model and for a used English car. A symbol of prestige, it occupies a prominent place in the high-end market.
Bentley flagship models
Continental GT: A grand tourer with English charm, the Continental GT is as powerful as it is refined. It represents the heart of the Bentley brand, delivering supreme luxury and breathtaking performance, all in a prestigious silhouette.
Bentayga: This British luxury SUV is the ideal model for cruising the road in style. On board, you’ll enjoy the space and high-tech features of a true luxury vehicle.
Flying Spur: Ultra-luxurious saloon, perfect for high-end long journeys. An exceptional British vehicle, as pleasant to drive as it is to be driven, for lovers of prestige.
Jaguar (1922)
It’s impossible to talk about British cars without mentioning Jaguar. Founded in 1922, this iconic company has successfully combined the characteristics of sportiness, luxury, and elegance. From the legendary E-Type to the ferocious F-Type, each model is characterized by its sleek design and performance. Present in both the sports car and luxury vehicle categories, Jaguar has established itself as a major manufacturer in the kingdom. It’s the effect of English charm.
Jaguar flagship models
E-Type: A true work of art on wheels, the Jaguar E-Type is arguably the most beautiful English car of all time. Its long hood and roaring engine make it a flagship model in the English car collection.
F-Type : The modern descendant of the E-Type is a feline, high-performance, and attractive sports car. The F-Type offers the perfect balance of speed, design, and comfort. It’s highly sought after by enthusiasts of new and used British cars.
XF: An elegant saloon with sleek lines, the XF is positioned in the premium market. Perfect for high-end everyday use, it appeals to demanding drivers who want to buy a high-performance British car without ostentation.
Land Rover (1948)
Land Rover is the pinnacle of British luxury adventure. Since the late 1950s, this iconic brand has conquered the world with its rugged yet distinguished off-road vehicles. From the Range Rover Evoque to the classic Defender, the English car has become a chic off-roader. It appeals to lovers of the great outdoors as well as stylish urbanites. Each model is designed to tackle any terrain, without ever compromising on comfort or style.
Land Rover flagship models
Defender: An off-road legend, the Defender is a rugged British vehicle, equally at home in the mountains or downtown. Recently redesigned, it retains its heritage while incorporating the best of modern technology and comfort.
Range Rover Evoque: A luxury compact SUV, the Evoque captivates with its bold styling, sleek finish, and all-weather capability. It’s the perfect compromise between chic and adventurous.
Discovery: This family 4×4 combines space, safety, and performance. A true British adventure car, the Discovery Sport is often used for long-distance travel, with the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
Lotus (1952)
At Lotus, speed doesn’t mean excess weight. The British brand has always prioritized lightness and pure driving. Its models are true sensation machines, designed to feel every part of the road. No compromise: this is the raw, no-nonsense sports car. Ideal for purists. Highly valued as a collector’s item, it also remains an original solution for a used purchase. Lotus is the antithesis of overkill, the very essence of racing.
Lotus flagship models
Elise: Lightweight and radical, the Elise is a pure sports car designed for driving pleasure. This convertible is exceptionally agile thanks to its light weight (914 kg) and minimalist design.
Exige: A more muscular version of the Elise, the Exige is aimed at racing enthusiasts. Brutal acceleration, advanced aerodynamics, and guaranteed thrills on both the track and the open road. A true homologated track car, made by Lotus.
Emira: The latest addition, the Emira, symbolizes Lotus’ modern transition to greater comfort without losing its sporty DNA. A promising model, at the crossroads of the British car manufacturer‘s glorious past and electrified future.
McLaren (1963)
McLaren is the roar of technology, the obsession with performance. This brand originated in the world of racing. It then conquered the road with models featuring sharp lines and high-powered engines. Each McLaren is a work of automotive art, a fusion of British engineering and futuristic design. Highly coveted, it symbolizes the pinnacle of luxury sports cars. In France, McLaren buyers are passionate and demanding. Buying a McLaren is like buying a piece of the world of Formula 1.
McLaren flagship models
720S: A true rocket on wheels, the 720S impresses with its aerodynamic look and supercar performance. This model is a technological showcase of British know-how, combining speed, control, and absolute prestige.
Artura: The brand’s first hybrid, the Artura symbolizes McLaren’s evolution toward a greener future, without compromising performance. This vehicle offers an ideal balance between innovation, sportiness, and respect for the British car’s DNA.
P1: A legendary hypercar, the P1 has made its mark on British automotive history by combining hybrid power, active aerodynamics, and avant-garde design. This collector’s model is a technological gem, coveted by enthusiasts worldwide.
MG (1923)
MG (Morris Garages) embodies the charm of the small, sporty, affordable, and accessible English car. It conquered the roads with its compact, agile, and often convertible models, quickly becoming a benchmark for lightweight sports cars. Highly sought-after in France, MG is the stuff of dreams for vintage and restoration enthusiasts. Today, the brand is reborn with modern vehicles (and a Chinese shareholder), but remains true to its DNA as a British manufacturer with a strong personality.
MG B: A legendary roadster, one of the most popular British cars of the 1960s and 1970s. It still attracts collectors and restoration enthusiasts thanks to its timeless style and light handling, ideal for country roads.
MG TC: This little gem from 1945 has made its mark on the history of English cars with its typically British look. Highly sought after today as an English car in the “ English classic car sale ” category, it evokes an authentic and inimitable English charm.
MG ZS EV: This all-electric SUV marks MG’s modern renaissance. Offering excellent value for money, it combines technology, space, and efficiency while respecting the dynamic spirit of the British brand’s historic models.
Mini (1959)
It’s impossible not to smile when you see a Mini. This small English car revolutionized urban motoring with its ingenious design and pop spirit. First designed by Austin, it became a brand in its own right, an icon of the 1960s. Ultra-handy, economical, and full of character, the Mini has established itself on the road and on rally podiums. It now comes in several models, from SUVs to coupes.
Mini flagship models
Mini Cooper S: Nimble and compact, it embodies the ultimate sporty urban model. Its legendary silhouette and performance make it a British car that’s as fun as it is efficient, and highly sought after on the French market.
Mini Clubman: A longer version with a more chic look, the Clubman retains the Mini style while adding comfort and trunk space. The perfect compromise between sporty spirit and family use, it remains a model appreciated for its unique character.
Mini Countryman : This compact SUV combines elegance, height, and a spirit of adventure. A practical and stylish British vehicle, perfect for the city or for a weekend getaway.
Morgan (1910)
With Morgan, we’re entering a new era. As early as 1910, this artisanal brand began handcrafting cars with a decidedly retro look. Wood is still used in the structure, a nod to the history of the automobile. Despite this vintage feel, the models are perfectly suited to modern driving. Morgan embodies the collectible spirit, English charm, and authenticity on four wheels. A car you don’t buy just to drive, but to restore, display, and love.
Morgan Plus 4: A classic among iconic classic cars, this model combines a modern engine with vintage aesthetics, with its wooden structure and retro roadster look. It will undoubtedly appeal to the classic car purist.
Morgan 3-Wheeler: This completely offbeat three-wheeler offers thrills, extreme lightness, and a retro design. A unique driving experience, it evokes the early days of the automotive industry with a healthy dose of fun.
Morgan Super 3: The latest evolution of the 3-Wheeler, the Super 3 modernizes the concept while retaining the brand’s signature spirit. This atypical little car is undoubtedly an eye-catcher on the road.
Rolls-Royce (1906)
Far more than a car, the name Rolls-Royce is a symbol. Since 1906, this world-renowned brand has been manufacturing the finest luxury cars. From the quiet engine to the quality of the leather, every detail exudes an obsession with perfection. The history of English cars would not be complete without the majesty of a Rolls. Ultra-exclusive, these vehicles are the epitome of a prestigious automotive jewel.
Rolls-Royce flagship models
Phantom: A true jewel of British motoring, the Phantom is the ultimate luxury car. Silent operation, personalized finishes, and cutting-edge technology: it offers an unparalleled, ultra-high-end experience.
Ghost: Less imposing than the Phantom but just as refined, the Ghost appeals to lovers of discretion and prestige. Every detail exudes English luxury, from the hand-stitched leather to the ultra-comfortable controlled suspension.
Cullinan: Rolls-Royce’s first SUV, the Cullinan, combines power, opulence, and unrivaled comfort on all terrains. This high-riding vehicle retains all the English charm in a more adventurous version of the English luxury car.
Triumph (1923)
Triumph is British sporting elegance, styled in the 1960s and 1970s. The brand produced iconic cars with a timeless look, ideal for cruising on country roads. Its lightweight and stylish models have become benchmarks in the classic car market. Highly sought-after second-hand models, Triumphs still appeal to fans of English car restoration or passion purchases. Their prices generally remain reasonable, while their charm is priceless.
Triumph Spitfire: This compact convertible, with its bold design, has made its mark on the history of British cars. Easy to restore, it embodies the accessible sports car with timeless English charm.
TR6: An iconic model from the 1970s, the TR6 combines power, sleek lines, and a roaring engine. Highly sought-after, it’s a must-have for any collector.
TR3: Its retro look, open grille, and sleek cockpit make it a cult English car. Halfway between racing and cruising, the TR3 still appeals to those who love wind-blown rides.
Vauxhall (1857)
Relatively unknown outside the UK, Vauxhall is nevertheless one of the oldest manufacturers in the country. The brand has long produced sturdy, reliable everyday vehicles for the British market. Acquired by General Motors and then transferred to PSA, the brand now offers models similar to those of Opel. It remains a discreet but essential player in the British automotive industry.
Vauxhall flagship models
Astra: Versatile, comfortable, and well-powered, the Astra is a tried-and-tested British everyday car. It offers good performance on the road while maintaining reasonable maintenance costs, making it ideal for family use.
Corsa: Cousin of the eponymous Opel, it is very popular as a first car or for urban use. Easy to handle, economical, and reliable.
Insignia: A large, seriously stylish saloon, perfect for long distances. It offers excellent value for money for those who want a spacious car without being too premium, while still enjoying British reliability.
FAQ about English car brands
To register an English car, you must put together a complete file: certificate of conformity, form 846A, and all the documents necessary for customs clearance. You must then apply for a registration card, first for a provisional registration, then to obtain the definitive registration card. The imported vehicle must also pass a French technical inspection.
What are the models of English luxury cars?
English luxury cars shine with their elegance and character. Among the most iconic are the Aston Martin DB11, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Jaguar E-Type, and McLaren supercars. Not to mention Bentley with its refined models.
How to buy a used English car?
Buying an English car, what to do: take the time to browse the ads for reputable English cars on the. Check the condition, paperwork, and price of the car. Whether it’s a rare or more common model, selling used English cars is also popular among fans of English car collections.
What is the history of English cars?
The history of English cars began in the late 19th century. It exploded after the First World War, then experienced a golden age after the Second World War. Many British car manufacturers emerged, creating iconic cars with English charm, which became essential in the global automotive industry.
What are the costs of importing an English car?
Are you looking to buy a car with a UK registration document from across the Channel? Check in advance that you have a valid European certificate of conformity for customs inspection. The invoice will depend on the car, its condition, and your registration budget.
The cost of importing a car from England should be considered:
import fees ;
customs duties;
registration document costs ;
and any additional compliance costs.
How to restore a vintage English car?
How to restore an English car: it starts with an expert appraisal of the model. A good restoration workshop will be able to identify the work to be done and estimate the cost. Sometimes you’ll have to look for rare spare parts to bring a vintage car back to life.
