Give These Cars a Round of Applause
We can’t deny how incredible British cars are. The UK brought us the luxury of Bentley, the speed of McLaren, the innovation of Aston Martin, and the practicality of Mini. Unfortunately, this love for British cars is often only extended to icons. There are countless amazing British cars that receive little attention compared to other vehicles from the same brands. But we want to change that! Keep reading to discover 35 underrated British cars that deserve more respect. Some may surprise you with their design, performance, or history. Each one is a hidden gem waiting to be recognized and appreciated.
Aston Martin Cygnet
The DB5 gets all the James Bond glory, so many people often forget about the Aston Martin Cygnet. However, this lovely little car deserves more recognition and respect because it’s an excellent everyday vehicle. Admittedly, it doesn’t look like the typical Aston Martin, but does that really matter? The Cygnet has fantastic handling, particularly for cornering, and is easy to drive. It has a top speed of 170 mph, which is pretty incredible for such a small car, as well as a sleek exterior and luxurious interior. It’s more than worthy of the Aston Martin name and respect.
Zenos E10
The Zenos E10 debuted in 2015, and though it's considered one of the most innovative modern sports cars, we're guessing you've never heard of it! But as it uses the same incredible carbon fiber technology as some BMWs, we think it deserves the same respect as that brand. It has phenomenal racing potential, with a top speed of 145 mph. It also has a traditional race-car build, with zero doors, an aluminum chassis, and a composite tub. This provides the ideal driving position for easy steering and comfortable pedal usage, with a lightweight body that encourages higher speeds.
Lotus Evora 400
If you want a sports car that can handle both the track and the everyday road, check out the Lotus Evora 400. The throttle, brakes, and gas are unmatched, and the supercharged engine, which was sourced from Toyota, provides plenty of power. It's extremely lightweight, so you'll barely feel the wheels on the road. Lotus truly outdid themselves with the design of the Evora 400, too. It has an aluminum chassis and tub, narrow sills, and an aerodynamic silhouette. The rear suspension is also 20% stiffer than other models, which further improves handling and reduces roll.
Jensen-Healey
If there was ever a British car that defined two brands, it’s the Jensen-Healey. It was a collaboration between Jensen Motors and Donald Healey, and despite its success in the ‘70s, it remains an underappreciated classic. The engine was sourced from Lotus, so it guaranteed speed and agility, even if it looked tame. The Jensen-Healey was instantly recognizable by its casual but sporty design, with a luxurious interior that featured a walnut dashboard. It also drove like a dream, with a five-speed transmission and a four-cylinder engine. Overall, it was the perfect blend of American performance and British sophistication.
Jaguar XK
Jaguar is a very well-known manufacturer, but even they have models that don’t get the attention they deserve. The XK is one of those, even though car enthusiasts consider it one of Jaguar’s finest, on par with the iconic XJ. And the best part is it looks luxurious but is more affordable than many of its competitors. It’s a sleek and sculpted performance car with a powerful V8 engine and agile maneuverability. The automatic transmission is smooth, and the suspension is well-balanced, making it a comfortable and nimble ride. Over the years, the Jaguar XK has innovated further, with top-tier technology that every driver can enjoy.
TVR Chimaera
TVR was a leading manufacturer of British sports cars for 79 years, yet its cars regularly go under the radar. The Chimaera was named after the three-headed animal hybrid from Greek mythology, but if anything is monstrous about this car, it’s its incredible power! It has a top speed of 160 mph and can reach it with ease. The Chimaera is the perfect car for daredevils who love to cruise with the top down and the V8 engine roaring. Its entire body is made of sophisticated fiberglass, and though it’s snug, the cabin is perfectly sumptuous. And despite its power, it’s still a practical option.
Austin Metro
The Austin Metro is one of the most significant cars in British automotive history. Over 2 million models were built, and it was close rivals with the iconic Mini Cooper. It was a supermini that capitalized on the ‘80s need for an affordable, small-sized car. This car epitomized practicality, but it was also fun to drive. Its lightweight body made it easy to handle, and it was capable of reaching over 100 mph at top speed. The interior was much more spacious than it looked, with a 60/40 split rear seat for storing cargo. It remains a firm favorite of British families.
Triumph Dolomite Sprint
It may not look as aggressive as the Ford Mustang or the Chevrolet Chevelle, but the Triumph Dolomite Sprint is just as much a classic. It blended an everyday, practical design with a powerful performance engine, all for a reasonably low price! This car is certainly aptly named “Sprint”, with an incredible top speed of 120 mph, which is very rare for a family saloon-style car, especially in 1973. It has an easy four-speed manual transmission, and the rear-wheel drive design takes corners like a breeze. Many classic car enthusiasts have been missing out on this underrated icon.
Vauxhall Viva
From the ‘63 original to the current modern version, the Vauxhall Viva is an amazing everyday car that many British drivers love. However, those who prefer a more exciting ride often dismiss the Viva as “boring”, and we think it deserves more respect than that. Sometimes, practicality should come first. And that’s not to say that the Vauxhall Viva is unattractive. It’s well-shaped and sleek, with a comfortable interior. The Viva also has great handling and maneuverability, with a fuel-efficient engine and sturdy suspension that is well-suited to urban environments. You can get all of that for an affordable price, too.
Bentley Blue Train
It might be nicknamed “Train”, but the Bentley Blue (or Bentley Speed Six) is definitely a car! Unfortunately, unlike other Bentley models, the Blue Train is often forgotten about. That may be because it’s very rare to see a car like this on the road nowadays. The classic limousine chassis and huge wheels are instantly iconic. The Bentley Blue Train was also known for being ahead of the game in terms of speed. It got its nickname from a 1930 race when it successfully raced a train! It had a six-liter engine and six speeds, which set the stage for Bentley’s phenomenal rise in the automobile industry.
Ariel Atom
We can’t claim to be shocked that you haven’t seen an Ariel Atom out on the roads, but this unbelievable open-wheel car seriously needs more appreciation. It was launched in 2000 after years of manufacturing at Lotus, which gave it a solid basis to become one of the best-ever road-legal track cars. Everything about it was designed with high performance in mind. It’s extremely lightweight, with no doors or roof, a four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 145 mph, and specialized push-rod suspension. If you’ve always wanted the true racing experience, look no further than the Ariel Atom.
Morgan Plus 4
The Morgan Plus 4 is utterly charming, and we can’t believe it’s not more well-known in the automotive world. Though it might not be as capable as many modern cars, it still performs incredibly, thanks to its turbocharged, 4-cylinder BMW engine and 6-speed manual transmission. All the way back in the 1950s, Morgan Motor Company realized what the British public wanted, and they upscaled their designs to build the Plus 4. It can go from 0-60 mph in approximately five seconds and uniquely combines a wooden frame and aluminum chassis for maximum potential while driving.
MG MGB
If you’ve heard anything about the MG MGB, it’ll probably be how quintessentially English it is! But that’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially as the MGB is considered to be one of the best cars of the 1960s. It looked great, was easy to drive, and came from a limited-edition desirable range. For a classic car, it’s also very easy to maintain, which makes it even more of a joy to drive. There’s an entire community of drivers who adore this car, so you’ll be able to source parts with ease. If you manage to get your hands on an MGB, you’ll be in for a welcome surprise.
Nissan Qashqai
While Nissan may not be a British brand, the Qashqai is manufactured at the Sunderland plant in England. The Qashqai is also a bestseller in the UK, and it’s about time the rest of the world gave it the respect it deserves. After all, it’s an attractive and practical everyday car. Drivers love how smooth and economical the Qashqai is, making it the perfect choice for commuting to work, driving your family around, and making cross-country journeys. The interior is suitably comfortable, with all the modern technology you could possibly want! It has more than earned its current strong reputation.
Lotus Elise
Its name may sound pretty and dainty, but the Lotus Elise is anything but! It’s every bit as fierce and aggressive as the iconic Lotus Esprit. It was known for being a seriously engaging ride, and while you wouldn’t choose it as an everyday commuter car, you can have endless fun on the roads. The Elise nailed sports car manufacturing, perfectly balancing speed, handling, and style without going over the top. The supercharged engine provides power, and it also has rear wings to encourage acceleration. Even those who prefer mainstream cars will have to appreciate this underrated gem.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is a pretty well-known car, but we’ve added it to our list because people regularly disrespect it and write it off for its common faults. However, it also has many redeeming qualities that make it worth a spin, including its seamless blend of a practical SUV build and an engine capable of adventure. It’s also an example of how much technology can innovate a vehicle. There are countless driver-assistant features, including steering connection, emergency braking, and hazard detection, which all make for a very engaging vehicle. We believe in redemption, and the Defender definitely has more to give.
Morris Minor
We don’t want to stereotype, but if we had to describe the classic British car, we’d probably think of the Morris Minor. However, though it has many loyal fans, this car is still yet to receive the international acclaim it deserves. Even worse, it’s also starting to disappear in the UK! Our favorite thing about this British car is its gorgeous exterior. It’s rounded, shiny, and perfectly compact, and it’s also easy to maintain. It has excellent steering capabilities and guarantees a light, smooth ride. Ultimately, the Morris Minor is a piece of automotive history, and it deserves to be treated as such.
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
It sounds ridiculous to say that a Rolls-Royce is underappreciation, but the Silver Ghost is one model that has slipped into the shadows. That may be because it’s one of the oldest cars on our list, with production starting all the way back in 1906! But its age only adds to its charm and appeal. At the time, it was considered to be one of the best cars in the world due to its reliable engine, easy handling, and sheer endurance. And now, only an approximated 1,500 models still exist, so it’s crucial that we respect their legacy.
Jaguar XK120
Perhaps the most beautiful Jaguar is actually one that we don’t hear much about. The XK120 looks like something out of a movie, but it was a real British sports car that was crowned the fastest-ever production car back in 1948. The first XK120 was even owned by Hollywood star Clark Gable! This car’s remarkable engine could reach 120 mph with the windscreen lowered. The entire design, from the chassis to the bodywork, was designed to be aerodynamic and improve performance. But above all, it was beautiful, and though beauty fades away, the Jaguar XK120 must not.
Aston Martin DB2/4
Many experts have branded the Aston Martin DB2/4 the brand’s most underrated car, and we hate to admit that that’s true. It’s exactly the sort of car that collectors would love to get their hands on, considering that it helped Aston Martin to truly take off. While it may look old, the DB2/4 is still perfectly capable of generating speed, with a maximum of 120 mph. In 1954, Aston Martin installed a large straight-six engine with more horsepower and better acceleration. This car raced right into our hearts and doesn’t seem ready to leave any time soon.
McLaren GT
The McLaren GT is still a relatively new car, but as the brand’s first grand tourer, it should have been met with greater acclaim. Though it’s more basic than other McLarens, it’s still a supercar with an insanely powerful engine capable of reaching 203 mph! Yet, it’s also surprisingly practical. Many McLaren fans have been searching for a stylish sports car that isn’t purely track-focussed, and the GT fits the bill. The interior is comfortable and has plenty of trunk space, and it drives well in any environment. This will doubtless become many people’s new dream car.
Lotus Elan M100
Is this really another underappreciated Lotus model? We’re afraid so! But while this vehicle may look like every other sports car, it’s actually very special, and owners have been falling in love with its engaging driving experience for years. It’s light, agile, and fast! This is the ideal car to choose if you want something fun and sporty that can also handle long-distance touring. There’s even a turbocharged version of the engine for the daredevils among us. Luckily, the Elan M100 is starting to gain more mainstream popularity, and we hope to keep observing its success.
MG Cyberster
This car has a cool name, but even that hasn’t been enough to keep the MG Cyberster at the center of the automotive industry. That’s a huge shame, given all its innovative features. The most impressive are hands-down the scissor-opening doors, which were popularized by the iconic Alfa Romeo Carabo. The MG Cyberster is a modern classic that has the ability to become just as iconic. It has sleek 20-inch alloys, a wraparound cockpit, launch control technology, and an electric-powered opening roof. The only downside we can see is that it costs over $60,000!
Rover SD1
Technically, Rover SD1 refers to the production name of various Austin Rover executive cars, but we’re focussing on the basic model. It has certainly been divisive, first being crowned “European Car of the Year”, then criticized for lackluster build quality. But we still think it deserves more respect. After all, any car with such distinctive retro styling needs to be appreciated, and the Rover SD1 wasn’t exactly lacking in the performance department either. It’s mechanically strong, despite its age, and has excellent handling. We certainly predict good things for the SD1 in the future.
Austin-Healey 3000
You may have heard talk about the Austin-Healey 3000’s flaws, but what about its strengths? This was another marvelous collaboration between the British Motor Corporation and Donald Healey and also one of the fastest. This little car could reach a top speed of 122 mph! It was fitted with a powerful 2.9-liter engine with strong horsepower and excellent revs. Braking was equally strong, thanks to the front disc brakes and rear drum brakes used to improve stopping performance. With the top up or down, the Austin-Healey 3000 is a fantastic British car.
Morgan Aero 8
The Aero 8 is considered to be Morgan’s most iconic model ever, yet it’s often forgotten about. This is a tragedy because it’s such an innovative and exciting vehicle, with one of the best-looking and most unique designs on this list. And it’s not even a classic model; it launched in 2000! Morgan’s modern engineering approach gave the Aero 8 its bulky, endurance racing silhouette, with aerodynamic lines and a lightweight aluminum chassis further innovating it. Its top speeds range between 160-170 mph. This vehicle deserves to be recognized for the British supercar it is.
Mini Countryman
Mini is perhaps the most beloved British automotive brand ever, so why isn’t there more love for the Countryman model? It’s a crossover SUV manufactured by both BMW and Mini, and you can see the modern BMW styling in its sleek exterior and spacious interior. We think it looks great! It’s more powerful than the previous smaller Minis, but this only contributes to the driving experience. The engine is extremely capable but also economical. Technological innovations also give it an edge over competitors. So, while we understand the love for the classic Mini, the Countryman definitely deserves more appreciation.
Nissan Laurel
One thing that we love about the Nissan Laurel is how it proves that practical cars don’t need to be boring. This sedan is ideal for families and commuting, but its performance is far superior to other similar cars. It’s a dependable ride wrapped up in a limousine-style exterior. From 1968 onwards, Nissan continued to innovate the Laurel, adding a turbocharged engine for better speed and power, as well as all-wheel drive, which improves grip and balance. Its luxurious finish definitely gives it an edge, and it should demand respect from everybody.
Land Rover Discovery
Like the Defender, the Land Rover Discovery often gets a bad rep due to some of the manufacturer’s faults. However, people are too harsh on it, and they forget to appreciate its strengths. After all, it quickly became one of the most popular SUVs with families, thanks to its strong build and spacious interior. But the Discovery is a car for everyone, even those who prefer off-road adventures. It’s durable and powerful, and it can comfortably cross all types of terrain. There’s also a whole host of infotainment features to keep you from getting bored. The Discovery is certainly misunderstood.
Vauxhall Firenza
Sometimes, great cars are created by mistake. Take the Vauxhall Firenza; this 1971 model was created as part of the Vauxhall Viva development, yet it became a respectable car in its own right. However, it’s often overshadowed, despite becoming an instant classic in the ‘70s. The Firenza was capable of great speed, thanks to its generous horsepower, and its aerodynamic shape and fastback roofline only made it more nimble. This vintage sporty design has aged like fine wine, with many modern cars following in its footsteps. Given its current rarity, we’d certainly like to see more respect for the Vauxhall Firenza.
Caterham Seven 310R
While the Caterham Seven 310R may not be the car you buy to run errands in, it’s certainly a key piece of British racing history that deserves to be cherished. It birthed the Caterham Seven 310R Championship, which truly shows how incredibly capable this track car is. The Seven 310R boasts a four-cylinder engine, sharp steering, and an excellent lightweight body for slick maneuvering. It can reach a top speed of 126 mph and get to 62 mph in under five seconds. Even non-racers can appreciate how phenomenal this car is, and we’d like to see more of it, on and off the track.
Noble M500
This is one great sports car we can almost certainly guess you’ve never heard of before! That may be because it’s still fairly new, having only launched in 2018, or because many people automatically dismissed it as another typical sports car without giving it a chance. But the Noble M500 certainly lives up to its name, providing a supercar experience that doesn’t ice out those who are new to sports cars. If anything, it’s one of the best options because of how user-focussed it is, focusing on engaging the driver and using power non-aggressively. It has certainly gained our respect.
Bentley Turbo R
This is another gorgeous Bentley that has sadly been overwhelmed by the success and recognition of the brand’s other models. But the Turbo R is criminally underrated, and it deserves more mainstream success. It’s a high-performance vehicle that provides plenty of luxury. The turbocharged V8 engine is very powerful, making this heavy-bodied car run like something half of its weight. It maintains the classic Bentley design, with the iconic grille taking center stage on its sleek, long body. And though it might be a bit high maintenance, all of the best cars are!
Jensen FF
The Jensen FF is the ultimate British grand tourer, so why have we let it start to fade away? Back in the ‘60s, it was the first production car to feature both a four-wheel drive and an anti-lock braking system, which was groundbreaking. It set the stage for icons like the AMC Eagle and Audi Quattro. We also have plenty of love for the Jensen FF’s design. The exterior is pure Italian sophistication, with twin wing vents and a long wheelbase. Its powerful Chrysler V8 engine made it the perfect high-speed performer. It deserves so much respect for how it inspired automotive designs across decades.
AC Ace
Finally, we’re ending our list with the iconic AC Ace. This is yet another underrated British sports car that made waves at the time, particularly when it raced at Le Mans, and we want to see its legacy live on. It was completely innovative for its time and remains a strong racer to this day. Anybody who appreciates a sleek, vintage exterior and a powerful engine will love the AC Ace. The low-slung body is quintessential of British cars, though it received a significant American power boost courtesy of the Ford engine! This is one icon that cannot be ignored.
