8 British classic cars for sale now

Flying the flag

If you’re feeling a bit like us and thinking about expanding – or starting – your classic car fleet in 2022, we’re here with inspiration.

Or should that be temptation?

Either way, we’ve been scouring the classifieds for some hunks of great British metal that we think are really rather eye-catching. Although we can’t find out why this Aston Martin is orange. You might need sunglasses.

Let’s find out more.

1. 1968 MGB GT (est: £8-10,000)

Okay, we are being a little bit cheeky here because this MG isn’t for sale now – but it will be very soon! Which gives you time to save, find the money, convince your other half or however you need to justify it.

It is being offered in a seven-day online auction with Cheshire-based Manor Park Classics, which runs between 30 January and 6 February, where it is anticipated it will achieve £8-10,000.

1968 MGB GT (cont.)

In its 60th-anniversary year, the MGB is right up there as one of the most-loved British classics, and this example appears to be in great shape, having been the subject of a serious restoration between 2019 and 2020.

Photographs and documents of this work to reassure any potential bidders are in its history file, while the auction house describes its 1.8-litre twin-carb engine as being ‘the smoothest we have ever encountered’.

Check it out here.

2. 1929 Riley Nine Monaco (£11,950)

We’re winding the clock back nearly a century with our next spot which, incredibly, has had just three owners.

This fabric-bodied Riley Nine Monaco is in unrestored, ‘remarkably original’ condition, although its engine has been rebuilt and the radiator reconditioned.

1929 Riley Nine Monaco (cont.)

Plus, it comes with some period paperwork, including a 1939 tax disc, the original supplier’s plaque and an original ad for the supplying dealer.

It’s being offered by Robin Lawton in Hampshire and you can see it here.

3. 1989 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible

We’ve listed no price because the vendor hasn’t given one, but the idea of some relaxed, roof-down wafting once spring is here, with a burbly V12 soundtrack is a rather appealing thought right now.

An unrestored and unmodified example, this 85,371-mile Jaguar’s standard kit includes electrically heated and adjustable seats, an electrically operated roof and cruise control.

1989 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible (cont.)

Yes, the cabin could do with a little TLC in time, but it’s not urgent. Its next owner might also want to attend to a few areas of corrosion that vendor Collecting Cars notes, including at the base of the nearside windscreen pillar.

Still, a first-time pass on its MoT in 2021 is encouraging.

Bidding ends on Monday 17 January at 7:35pm and you can view the listing here.

4. 1999 Lotus Elise S1 (£19,950)

We’re sure we’re not the only ones saddened by the end of Lotus Elise production – and early examples of ‘the car that saved Lotus’ are getting ever more desirable.

Just look at this Ruby Red metallic example for sale with marque specialist Paul Matty Sportscars in Bromsgrove.

1999 Lotus Elise S1 (cont.)

This car’s long-range fuel tank could be perfect for any road trips you’ve planned for 2022 and those factory option 12-spoke alloys are rather eye-catching, don’t you think?

The black interior with red detailing looks to be in find condition, too, and this Elise comes with a comprehensive service history.

Find out more here.

5. 1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 (est: £35-45,000)

So here it is, in all its orange glory.

You may not be surprised to hear that this is not how this Aston Martin DBS V8 left the factory 50 years ago.

It has previously been finished in a much more traditional and less eyeball-singeing brown, however the vendor does not know when or why orange was chosen, other than it was after its current custodian bought it in March 2010.

1972 Aston Martin DBS V8 (cont.)

Of course, it also has an orange interior, but we thought we’d save your eyes that assault. At least it’s leather, though… It used to have green-hide upholstery which might be to more people’s tastes.

This classic has covered a little over 69,500 miles and that orange-leather upholstery is said to be in good condition. But after time on static display, it would be prudent for its next owner to give this Aston Martin some TLC before hitting the road.

Bidding on this surely unique classic – which is being offered with no reserve – closes on 21 January at 7:30pm with The Market by Bonhams.

6. 1978 MG Midget 1500 (£8450)

It’s our second MG, but you can probably see why this Midget caught our eye.

Being sold by model specialist Mike Authers Classics in Oxfordshire, this has been restored using a brand-new British Motor Heritage shell – not a cheap undertaking – which should mean it’ll be rust-free for many years to come.

1978 MG Midget 1500 (cont.)

Since that restoration, this MG has covered just 10,000 miles – and its total mileage from new is a not-very-massive 54,000.

Its engine has been rebuilt, too, and it seems ready to go!

View the listing here.

7. 1994 Mini Cooper 1.3L Monte-Carlo

There were around 70 special editions of the classic Mini in its long life so that in itself is not unusual, however we can’t help but be charmed by this because it so strongly evokes the car in which a certain Mr Hopkirk won the Monte-Carlo rally, almost exactly 58 years ago on 21 January 1964.

Just 200 of these Monte tribute cars were built, all red or black, and those black Minilites and quartet of lights across the front are fabulous features.

1994 Mini Cooper 1.3L Monte-Carlo (cont.)

The two-tone scheme is echoed inside and Collecting Cars says it is in ‘superb condition’.

It’s done just 34,532 miles and has surely got a lot of life left in it.

Again, there’s no value given here because the vendor hasn’t supplied one, but you can take a look at the full listing here – bidding runs until 7:35pm on, appropriately enough, 21 January.

8. 1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I (est: £17-22,000)

We finish with a high-end slice of classic British motoring that seems a lot of metal for the money.

Its current owner has had it just over a year, but in that time it has had nearly £10,000 invested in it at a marque specialist following the best part of a decade off the road, so surely its next keeper can have the pleasure of enjoying and maintaining it.

It is being sold, in case you’re interested, simply because a new project has come along.

1973 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I (cont.)

Those cream seats look awfully comfy, don’t they? The Market says the leather could benefit from some care while the rear bench appears barely used.

The car’s 6.7-litre V8 apparently starts on the button and gives this Rolls-Royce the refined driving experience you’d expect.

Find out more here.

Have we tempted you?