iconic british automotive design
introduction When asked to think of the most classic and influential cars, many think of the Ferrari, however, Britain has its own extremely strong automotive heritage and some cars as iconic as tea, bulldogs and James Bond himself. This is a concise insight into Britainʼs most iconic automobiles, their heritage and what makes them so British. You will be provided with knowledge of the car that Enzo Ferrari described as “the most beautiful car ever made”, the car that was designed to hold the designers preferred gin bottles and the car driven by the sharpest dressed spy to ever grace our screens. Weʼre not talking about footballerʼs fancies, neither are we limiting ourselves to the finest in British sports cars. Weʼre talking pure sophistication, predominantly focusing on the classics with a few more modern icons surpassing the grade.
“one of the most fun inventions of my lifetime is the mini� James Dyson
classic mini One of the most influential automobiles of the 20th century, the Mini is as classically British as the come. Selling over 4 million models globally it was extremely popular due to its looks, its size, its price and its power. The design of the Mini was revolutionary, becoming the first car to have its engine transversely mounted. Although an extremely small car, the most was made out of the space. All the available space was used; the rear registration plate was hinged, enabling the car to be driven with the boot open and the hollow door pockets were designed to hold Issigonisʼs favourite Gordanʼs Gin bottles - 3 iconic British Minis
were used in the equally iconic 1969 movie, The Italian Job, displaying there attributes to the masses. Another iconic feature of the classic Mini is the alternative coloured roof and stripes, as well as the popular Union Jack roof decal. The patriotic Union Jack roof puts the vehicles heritage in no doubt. This is the most functional and efficient outcome of Britainʼs iconic automotive design, outselling other global favourites such as the Valkswagon Beetle and the Fiat 500, whilst showing off your patriotism and giving you the perfect sized pocket to store you bottles of Londonʼs finest gin.
Designer:
Sir Alec Issigonis
Manufacturer: BMC British Layland Location:
Oxford Birmingham
Production:
1959-2000
Price Then:
£497
Price Now:
£600 +
“the most famous car in the world� Richard Hammond
db5 The Aston Martin DB5, dubbed as “the most famous car in the world”, is a 60s British master class in automotive design. Although visually very similar to the DB4, the DB5 has much more under the bonnet. This car was much faster, safer and more reliable, but that was not what made it iconic. The reason for this car being so famous is down to arguably the most famous of Brits – James Bond. The DB5ʼs appearance in Goldfinger, with all of its upgrades, not only showed the world what Aston Martin was capable off, but the finesse of Britainʼs automotive design. Similarly to the E-Type Jaguar, the DB5 has a British style
and sophistication, epitomizing Ian Flemingʼs James Bond. This sophistication, stems from the DB5ʼs smooth curves and elegant posture, both pugnacious and alluring simultaneously. James Bond and Aston Martin now come hand in hand; you think of Aston Martin and you picture the tuxedo wearing, martini drinking Casanova, and when you think of James Bond, you picture an Aston Martin, ordinarily, the most famous of them all – the DB5. The perfect car for any ruthless businessman with an extesive selection of the finest Savile Row suits and the money to burn.
Designer:
Harold Beach
Manufacturer: Aston Martin
Location:
Unknown
Production:
1963-1965
Price Then:
£6250 ≈
Price Now:
£250,000 +
“more agile in the wild than a leopard� Topgear
defender One of the more humble of our iconic automobiles, the Land Rover Defender is the solid backbone that has helped Britain run its farming industries for the past 30 years. The reason for this vehicles rule of the field is due to its individuality and uniqueness. Arguably there is nothing else on the market like it and it is not only the agricultural industries that it is famous for. The Defender has a strong military background, even prior to its renaming, having been deployed with the British army globally and used by some of the more rural of Britain始s police forces as their main vehicles. Compared to Britain始s other iconic vehicles, the Defender is not the
most beautiful, however it is such a functional vehicle the aesthetics are not important. Although preliminarily designed as an off-road maintenance vehicle, Land Rover have produced several limited editions, aimed at the more affluent petrol heads with a thirst for something iconically British but with a bit more luxury and style. The seeming combination of tractor, tank and car gives the Defemder a ostensibly invincible feel, seen through their endurance and longevity of working life. The Defender is a vehicle that can be pushed to its limits and remain entirely functional, characterizing the British bulldog spirit.
Designer:
Unknown
Manufacturer: Land Rover
Location:
Solihull
Production:
1983-
Price Then:
Unknown
Price Now:
拢21,000 +
“intelligent design� Automobile Magazine
elan A less ostentatious automobile: it is what is inside the Lotus Elan that makes it so iconic. Although not as famous and as well known as some of Britainʼs other iconic automotive designs, it was one of the first sports cars to use some new and influential design. This design was the use of the backbone chassis with a fiberglass body, meaning this carʼs power to weight ratio was very good. Comparable to other late 50s and 60s iconic British automotive design, the Lotus Elan has those classic curves that made the Aston Martin DB5 and especially the Jaguar E-Type so popular. The Elan was Lotusʼs main success due to its fortuitous
design and technological finesse, voted number 6 in the Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. The cars design and form has gone on to influence other highly successful, small, agile sports cars, such as the Mazda MX-5, which is still manufactured today. The Lotus Elan is not a bold statement to the world around you, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom is, it is a more reserved and more serene side to British automotive design and British sports cars. Although modest it does not loose and style, and through its modesty comes a quiet British charm and dignity.
Designer:
Ron Hickman
Manufacturer: Lotus Cars
Location:
Hethel
Production:
1962-1975
Price Then:
£1499
Price Now:
£14,000 ≈
“the most beautiful car ever made� Enzo Ferrari
e-type Quite possibly Britainʼs most influential car, the Jaguar E-Type is often forgotten in the wake of more famous automobiles. Designed by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, whose geometrical style gave the car its famous curves, the E-Type has become one of Britainʼs most iconic images. This icon of the sixties has had its significance recognized globally, being one of only six vehicles to be add to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York City. It is the car that Enzo Ferrar described as ʻthe most beautiful car ever madeʼ and compared to anything since, nothing comes close to the
E-Typeʼs style, sophistication and suave character. Both aesthetically and functionally, the E-Type is arguably Britainʼs greatest design achievement and a car that should be owned by anyone who believes they have that certain level of class that only the E-Type possesses. Although originally sold as a more affordable option to the Ferraris and Maseratis of its time, around 4000 pounds less, it was still the essential accessory for the beau monde. The E-Type was the chosen automobile for the likes of George Best, Steve McQueen and Frank Sinatra, all icons in their own right.
Designer:
Malcolm Sayer
Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars
Location:
Coventry
Production:
1961-1974
Price Then:
£3500 ≈
Price Now:
£30,000 +
“accept nothing nearly right or good enough” Sir Henry Royce
phantom Probably the oldest and most exclusive of Britainʼs automotive vehicles, the Rolls-Royce Phantom as transformed considerably from the Phantom 1 in 1925. The company is known for both their car design but also their engine design, supplying engines for the machine that debatably won World War II – the Spitfire. Rolls-Royce, the Phantom in particular, have always been the car for the elite. Traditionally seen gracing British country roads as their ownerʼs dive, or are chauffeured, from their manor, the Phantom is now the essential for the privileged, from footballers to Sheikhs. Of our chosen few the Phantom is
arguably the most authoritative and powerful, giving its owner a superiority and refinement that cannot be found with any other automobile. Its presence is powerful, leaving anyone who witnesses one drive in a state of admiration. Although, perhaps not as aesthetically attractive as the E-Type, the Phantom has such grandeur and stature it does not demand it. The Phantom has such an aura, such a impression and impact that is has been defined as “built to advertise you”, requiring not advertisments for sales. A true British Spirit of Extacy.
Designer:
Unknown
Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce Ltd. (RR Motors) Location:
Derby/London
Production:
1925-
Price Then:
Unknown
Price Now:
£250,000 +
“a careful driver is one who honks his horn when he goes through a red light� Henry Morgan
plus 4 The most opulent and grand of Britainʼs automotive design, the Morgan Plus 4 is a true classic. The Plus 4 is as British as they come, although arguably not as famous as the DB5 or as beautiful as the E-Type, neither can out British this beast. In terms of performance and comfort the Plus 4 cannot really compete, it isnʼt fast and it isnʼt agile but there is nothing more seductive and alluring. This car is an investment into British heritage and British culture, whether you are buying an original classic or its modern counterpart, it will not degrade in value. This indulgence into Britishness is not for everyone, however, if you can afford it and want
something fundamentally British sitting in your garage there is no other suitable car. As with the 7 this is not an everyday practical car. The Plus 4 is an automobile that is brought out of the garage to drive to dinner parties, at either country manors or penthouse apartments, whilst wearing your bespoke dinner suit, silk scarf and equipped with your Espléndidos and book of matches. The Plus 4 is not a performance car, a race car or a sportscar. It is something with a stature and a grandure that no other car ever made possess. The PLus 4 is the true British gentleman of automotive design.
Designer:
Henry Morgan
Manufacturer: Morgan Motor Co.
Location:
Worcestershire
Production:
1950-1961
Price Then:
Unknown
Price Now:
£35,000 +
“it’s not a car - it’s a second skin”
Topgear
7 A cross between a motorbike, a car and an oversized go-cart, this is the ultimate British boys toy. The most agile of our iconic automotive design, the Lotus 7 – now the Caterham 7, successes came through its prowess as a Clubman Racing car that was also road legal. Having a road legal racecar meant that the owner could race if they wanted too or speed through country lanes with the wind in their hair. By no stretch of the imagination is this the only car you should own, unless youʼre a thrill-seeking bachelor. Itʼs not a practical car and should be accompanied by something
more substantial, a Aston Martin or a Jaguar lets say, however, there is something elementally British about putting on your Dents leather driving gloves and strapping yourself into a 7 to enjoy the British countryside from a slightly lower level on a brisk spring morning. If youʼre looking for something different to your average modern or classic sports car, something with more adrenaline and more sensation, this is the vehicle for you and what is most important, itʼs British and always has been.
Designer:
Colin Chapman
Manufacturer: Lotus Cars Caterham Cars Location:
Norfolk Surrey
Production:
1957-1972 1973-
Price Then:
£400 ≈
Price Now:
£19,995 +
references Aston Martin DB5
Jaguar E-Type
http://coolcarswallpaper.com
http://gmotors.co.uk
http://www.netcarshow.com
http://imgboot.com
Land Rover Defender
Classic Mini
http://classiccarmag.net
http://www.carstyling.ru
http://www.boldride.com
http://files.conceptcarz.com
Lotus Elan
Rolls-Royce Phantom
http://media.caranddriver.com
http://www.all-hd-wallpapers.com
http://www.caricos.com
http://www.picgifs.com
Morgan Plus4 http://www.mad4wheels.com www.autowp.ru
Lotus/Caterham 7 http://www.motorstown.com http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk