9 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Although the results of the recent Auto Express listing with the original Mini at No.1, were published in September 2024, much of the TV and newspaper media seem to be covering the story below today.

Auto Express - Top 50 all-time greatest British-built cars:-
"The Mini has been named the greatest British car ever made. Judges looked at each car in terms of their engineering pedigree, design, commercial success, significance in automotive history along with their heartfelt emotion and reduced the list of 75 down to 50.
The Mini topped the Auto Express list as the undisputed champion, with judges saying: “Put simply, we reckon no other British- built vehicle better represents the relevant, innovative and pioneering UK automotive industry quite like the world’s original small car.”
https://www.autoexpr...t-cars-revealed

1. Mini
2. Jaguar E-Type
3. Land Rover Series/Defender
4. Aston Martin DB5
5. McLaren F1
6. Range Rover Mk1
7. Ford GT40
8. Caterham/Lotus Seven
9. Ford Escort Mk1
10.Lotus Elise

"According to a new study, the most iconic UK-made car is a small economy model that was a hit on the racetrack and popular with celebrities."
https://www.express....c-austin-morris

"Mini named the best British car ever."
https://archive.ph/TIWPL

 

 

[panky]

I agree with the Mini but surprised the Morris Minor didn't make the cut. The rest of the list looks more like a rich man's car cave. 

[mab01uk]

• No.18 The Morris Minor
• No. built: 1,619,857  
• From: 1948-1971  
• Price new/now: £628/£1,500-£40,000  
• Engine: 948cc 4cyl petrol, 37bhp  
• Top speed: 75mph

"Before he created the iconic Mini in 1959, Sir Alec Issigonis penned the Morris Minor. Affectionately known as the Moggy, it was launched in 1948 and proved an instant hit; in 1960 it became the first British car to reach the magic mark of a million sales.

Despite its antiquated looks, the Minor had novel independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering, resulting in a decent ride quality and crisp handling. The Moggy died in 1971, but its underpinnings lived on in the rather less impressive Marina."

Edited by mab01uk, 19 April 2025 - 06:24 PM.

[PoolGuy]

It’s odd how one of the best cars ever built is in 5th place. 

[Steam]

While I am mad for Minis I don't think it is the best british car ever made. I would be switching 1 and 2.

[mab01uk]

In 2012 Autocar readers also voted the original Mini the best-ever British car. It beat the Range Rover and Jaguar E-Type to the title:-

https://www.autocar....est-british-car

 

and back in 1995 the Mini was voted 'Car of the Century' in an Autocar readers poll:-

 

Quote:

"The Mini triggered the start of an automotive revolution, the effects of which can be felt to this day. BMC wanted its new development to be affordable to buy and run, but its greatest impact came in the form of the myriad innovations which would go on to become essential elements of small and compact vehicles across the board. Issigonis had designed his 10' (3.05-metre) long model not only with front-wheel drive but also with a four-cylinder engine mounted transversely at the front."

 

Edited by mab01uk, 20 April 2025 - 11:12 AM.

[PoolGuy]

The E type is probably the most overrated car of all time.

[Cooperman]

I am surprised that the Mk.1 Cortina is not anywhere on that list.

[mab01uk]

No.26. Ford Cortina

• No. built: 3,155,161  
• From: 1962-1982  
• Price new/now: £643/£8k-£60k (Mk1)
• Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl petrol, 60bhp 
• Top speed: 81mph

 

"When Ford introduced the Consul Cortina Mk1 in 1962, it was utterly conventional, but it was also spacious, light and affordable. 

It was a smash hit with a new breed of motorists that was emerging: company-car drivers. Families loved it, too, because there was a decent choice of engines and trims, plus saloon and estate bodystyles. The Cortina hit the spot and by the time the model was axed in 1982, there had been five generations of Ford’s family favourite."

 

My dad had two Mk1 Cortinas, followed by a Mk2 which I learned to drive in, and my brother later had a Mk3 Cortina GT.

Edited by mab01uk, 22 April 2025 - 04:25 PM.

[stuart bowes]

I'd say land-rover no 1 at the risk of being shunned lol

Just for it's sheer range of capability, all the different ways it's been used, the basic rugged simplicity etc

Obviously I love real minis but I grew up in and around landies so they'll always be my top spot