As a pioneer in the field of sports cars, the UK has consolidated its position in the automotive world.
When we think of sports cars today, European and Japanese sports cars occupy the top of our list. Nowadays, we rarely see anyone mention British sports cars. Interestingly, the British invented the sports car as we know it today back in 1919, the first year the term "sports car" was coined.
Over the years, British car manufacturers have introduced iconic sports cars such as Triumph, Austin, Lotus, TVR and more. Light sports cars have always been the jewel in the British crown and here are the 10 best British sports cars that define automotive excellence.
Lotus Exige
Introduced in 2000, this iconic British sports car is very lightweight, powerful (350 hp) and comes from Toyota's 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine. Later, more performance versions such as the Exige Cup 430 developed over 400 horsepower, making the Exige a true sports car.
Jaguar XJ220
The Jaguar XJ220 hovers between supercars and sports cars. It was once the fastest car in the world until it was taken away by McLaren F1. The production version was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 542 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of solid power, helping it reach an impressive top speed of 212.3 mph. It was Jaguar's first and only attempt at a real blue supercar, but unfortunately, it failed.
Lotus 7
Released in 1957, the Lotus 7 was Colin Chapman's attempt to deliver characteristics in an affordable sports car with precise handling. This is when Lotus began operating its companion cars, which later became one of the most famous sports car brands in the world. The Series 1 was powered by a 1.1-litre Ford four-cylinder engine, while later versions used different engine options, all with reduced power but a well-balanced chassis.
Jaguar F-Type
Following in the footsteps of the highly respected Jaguar E-Type, the F-Type is a classified sports car that offers everything you'd expect from a British performance car. While it's not as light as the others on this list, it's powered by three engines — a 2.0-liter turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, and a 444-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 that produces the best noise of any car. More than just a sports car, the F-Type is a powerful GT car.
MG TC Midget
Around 10,000 MG TC Midget were built between 1945 and 1949. Some of these cars also ended up in the United States. It comes with a 1.2-liter OHV engine that makes just 54 horsepower, which may not be fast by modern standards. But in its time, the Midget was a brisk car and a classic sports car. The MG TC Midget also played a key role in the history of sports cars in the 40s of the 20th century. Lotus 7
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a clean sports car that offers maximum pleasure for your money. It's still unbeatable when it comes to lightness, as it's typical of go-kart roads. Elise is a fun drive because it offers the most precise handling, as well as a chassis that chats with you all the time. The Elise may not be the most practical sports car, but if you measure the smile on your face, the Lotus Elise is unbeatable.
Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 became famous because it was the wheel of choice for British intelligence agent James Bond. Under the hood was a 4.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 282 horsepower, which was enough for a top speed of 145 mph at the time. Currently, the Aston Martin DB5 is a collector's car, and if you look at the recent auction numbers, it's not cheap at all.
捷豹 E-Type
Often referred to as the most beautiful car in the world, the Jaguar E-Type is truly a work of art that will make you feel at home in a museum. One of the most popular classic sports cars, Jaguar has sold more than 76,000 units in 15 years. Under the sculpted long hood is a 3.8-liter inline-six engine that delivers 265 horsepower, helping it reach 150 mph and 60 mph in just 7 seconds.
Austin Healy 3000
The Austin Healy 3000 is known as the Big Healy, unlike the smaller Austin Healy Sprite, where the Healy 3000 comes with a 2.9-liter inline-six engine that fits 124 horsepower and 114 mph for top hit. The Healy 3000 is a small sports car of modern standards, and the beautiful body is built by Jensen Automobiles. What makes it special, however, is its success in motorsport and the fact that driving it is a joy.
Triumph Spitfire
In addition to having one of the coolest car names, the Triumph Spitfire is a sports car that proves that you don't need to be rich to have fun. The various models of Triumph Spitfire use engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 liters. It's never very dynamic, but its superior chassis makes up for it, rewarding good riders. Even today, the Spitfire is a great project car, and a British sports car will literally burn a big hole in your wallet.