Home » Best British Cars
Despite the challenges, several outstanding and iconic car brands still manufacture vehicles in Great Britain. Although larger international car makers now own some of these brands, choosing a UK-made car contributes to job preservation in the country. If feasible, consider supporting British-made vehicles. On this page are some of the best makes and models of cars still made in Britain.
In 2022, the UK’s automotive trade association, SMMT, reported a production of 775,014 British-built cars. It marked the lowest output since 1956. However, there was a notable 39.8% surge in UK car manufacturing in September 2023. This represents the strongest growth month of the year, with 88,230 units rolling out of British factories.
Nearly six in 10 cars were destined for the EU, while deliveries for the UK market experienced a substantial 65.9% rise. Electric vehicle production also witnessed a noteworthy 41.5% increase.
The Mini, an iconic car and symbol of Great Britain, stands out as a representation of Britishness. BMW has owned it since 1994, producing it in Cowley, Oxfordshire. Notable figures like George Harrison, Steve McQueen, and Mick Jagger have owned this cultural gem. Originally part of Rover, BMW effectively relaunched the new version post-acquisition while preserving its charm. The Mini Clubman, Mini Countryman, and the all-electric Mini continue to roll off the car production lines in Oxford, England. This continues the legacy that has endeared the Mini as one of Britain’s most beloved cars
Sunderland manufactures the popular family car, the Nissan Qashqai. The factory, potentially the UK’s largest car producer, initiated production with the Nissan Bluebird in 1986. Since then, it has transitioned to crafting models such as the Juke, Qashqai, Note, Infiniti, and the electric Leaf. The Sunderland plant actively contributes to the success of Nissan’s British-made diverse vehicle lineup.
Looking for electric car charging cables that are UK made and tested. Check out ev cables.
Discover a British-made luxury car matt for all makes, with fast UK delivery.
Vauxhall has concluded the production of its final British-built Astra. This signifies a shift toward transforming its Cheshire hub, Ellesmere Port, into a dedicated electric vehicle factory. In 2023, the car brand focuses on producing new electric vehicles, including the Vauxhall Combo-e electric van. Along with its counterparts, the Citroën ë-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Partner. Vauxhall’ has committed to only producing EVs from 2028. While the Astra production concludes, used car platforms still offer British-made Vauxhall Astras. The last Astra from Ellesmere Port, a red Astra Sport Tourer 1.2 Turbo SRi Nav, recently rolled off the line, marking the end of an era.
Halewood, Merseyside, serves as the manufacturing site for the Land Rover Discovery Sport, along with the Range Rover Evoque. Tata Motors took control of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, ushering in significant evolution. While Land Rovers retain their off-road capabilities, recent models prioritize optimal on-road performance. The Solihull factory produces Range Rover models such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Land Rover Defender. These vehicles uphold the distinctive British luxury associated with the brand, evident in their pricing. For those with the means, considering this British-made car is worthwhile.
British car manufacturers produce the Toyota Auris, Toyota Auris Hybrid, and Avensis. They are produced at the Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, contributing to the robust British car industry. These models, crafted by global automotive leader Toyota, exemplify a fusion of Japanese innovation and British craftsmanship. The Burnaston facility is known for its commitment to quality. It plays a crucial role in Toyota’s production, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to delivering reliable and environmentally conscious vehicles. In 2023, the Toyota Auris, Auris Hybrid, and Avensis continue to represent the pinnacle of British manufacturing excellence.
UK manufacturers at the Swindon facility proudly produce Honda car models the Civic and CR-V. This manufacturing hub, operating with a commitment to quality, significantly contributes to Honda’s global production. The Civic, known for its sleek design and efficiency, and the CR-V, is a popular SUV choice. Both exemplify the synthesis of Japanese automotive expertise and British manufacturing excellence. The Swindon factory, integral to Honda’s European operations, underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering reliable and innovative vehicles. In addition to providing employment opportunities, this manufacturing facility plays a vital role in sustaining Honda’s presence in the UK car industry.
Jaguar, a prominent British car manufacturer, produces the F-Pace and F-Type models. These luxury vehicles showcase a blend of performance and elegance synonymous with the Jaguar brand. Jaguar Land Rover manufactures the F-Pace in Solihull plant and F-Type in Castle Bromwich UK. The F-Pace, a stylish SUV, offers a dynamic driving experience, while the F-Type, a sleek sports car, captivates enthusiasts with its powerful performance. These models contribute to Jaguar’s legacy of delivering iconic, high-performance vehicles in Britain. It reinforces the brand’s commitment to British craftsmanship and automotive excellence.
Bentley, a distinguished British car manufacturer, produces the Continental, Flying Spur, and Mulsanne models in Crewe, Cheshire. Renowned for their opulence, performance, and handcrafted precision, these luxury vehicles exemplify Bentley’s commitment to British Car Production. The Continental, an elegant grand tourer, combines power with sophistication. The Flying Spur, a luxurious sedan, offers a seamless blend of comfort and performance. The Mulsanne, Bentley’s flagship model, epitomises bespoke craftsmanship and exclusive design. Bentley’s historic Crewe factory contributes to the brand’s legacy of crafting some of the world’s finest and most sought-after luxury cars.
Aston Martin, the iconic British luxury car manufacturer, crafts models like the DB9, Vantage, Rapide, Vanquish, and DB11 in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. Skilled artisans handcraft these vehicles, embodying Aston Martin’s legacy of blending performance and elegance. The DB9 and Vantage feature sleek designs and robust performance, while the Rapide delivers a luxurious four-door experience. The Vanquish, celebrated for its speed and style, and the DB11, a modern grand tourer, continue to showcase British craftsmanship. UK manufactured in their state-of-the-art facility in Gaydon, these Aston Martin models stand as testaments to car engineering and enduring design.
Rolls-Royce, the distinguished UK car manufacturer, handcrafts luxury models like the Wraith and Ghost in West Sussex, England. These opulent vehicles exemplify the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship. Showcasing Rolls-Royce’s unwavering commitment to elegance and performance. The Wraith, a grand tourer, and the Ghost, an iconic luxury sedan, blend cutting-edge technology with timeless design. They embody the epitome of British luxury-built cars. Rolls-Royce, continuing to set the standard for bespoke craftsmanship and sophistication in the UK car industry, produces these masterpieces in their state-of-the-art facility in West Sussex.
Lotus, the renowned British sports car manufacturer, produces models like the Elise, Evora, and Exige in Norfolk, England. These precision-engineered vehicles showcase Lotus’s dedication to lightweight design and exceptional performance. The Elise, a classic roadster, emphasizes agility and responsiveness. The Evora, a versatile sports car, combines speed with comfort. The Exige, designed for track enthusiasts, delivers uncompromising performance. Lotus’s commitment to a pure driving experience is evident in each model, employing advanced engineering techniques. Skilled craftsmen at their Norfolk facility craft these Lotus cars, representing a blend of British heritage and cutting-edge technology.
Explore the charm of the Mini Cooper with our modern art black framed prints, available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes. We craft these prints in the UK, ensuring each piece is an original limited edition that captures the essence of this iconic car. Ideal for enthusiasts, these framed artworks celebrate the unique design and heritage of the Mini Cooper, adding a touch of automotive elegance to any space. Choose your preferred size and bring home a piece of British motoring history.
Discover the timeless allure of the Jaguar E-Type with our black framed modern art prints, available in A4, A3, and A2 sizes. We craft each piece in the UK, ensuring it is an original limited edition that showcases the elegance of this British iconic car. Ideal for enthusiasts, these artworks capture the spirit of the Jaguar E-Type, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. Choose your preferred size and celebrate this classic British creation.