What Are the Best British Car Brands?
The best British car brands include Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, McLaren, MG, Mini, Morgan, Rolls-Royce, TVR, and Vauxhall. Great Britain has a rich motoring heritage, with British manufacturers producing everything from hand-built luxury saloons and electric hypercars to celebrated off-roaders and affordable sports cars.
Great Britain has an incredible motoring heritage, with the UK being one of the largest car producers in the world in the 1950s. UK vehicle production peaked in 1972 at approximately 2.3 million total units (including 1.92 million passenger cars), according to historical data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
There are many famous British car brands that are still going strong today – here are some of the best.
Best British Car Brands
From racing cars to electric hypercars and luxurious saloons, British car brands have an extremely diverse product range. Although these British car manufacturers are now owned by foreign or multinational entities, they still produce some or all of their vehicles in the United Kingdom.
1. Aston Martin Lagonda
These iconic hand-crafted British cars include not only the Aston Martin marques, but also Lagonda cars. The Lagonda brand was founded in 1904 and has been revived as the first luxury car brand to be driven solely by zero emission powertrain technologies.
The Aston Martin logo features a pair of wings and is based on an Egyptian scarab beetle.
Famous Aston Martin models:
- 2020 Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 – with a revolving license plate and several other James Bond gadgets, this continuation model will set you back a cool $3.5 million.
- 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda – the first production car in the world with a digital instrument panel, this saloon car had a very distinctive design by William Towns.
- 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish – the James Bond car in the movie Die Another Day.
Established in: 1913, originally as Bamford & Martin Ltd after the company founders, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The name changed to Aston Martin after the cars successfully completed the Aston Clinton hill climb in Buckinghamshire.
Based in: Gaydon, Warwickshire.
2. Bentley
Known for their comfortable grand tourers, Bentley have also produced some exceptional sporting models. In fact, Bentley cars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930.
In recent times, they’ve created an ultra-luxurious saloon car, the Bentley Mulsanne as well as the Bentley Blower Continuation Series, a revival of their iconic Birkin Blower limited to just 12 cars. If you’re curious about which luxury cars hold their value best over time, Bentley models consistently feature in that conversation.
Famous Bentley models:
- 1929 Birkin Blower – named the blower after the supercharger that forced air into the engine, this car competed at Le Mans. It featured as James Bond’s first car in 3 Ian Fleming novels.
- 2003 Continental GT – a two-door coupe with four seats, this car was an immediate success and is still a top seller today.
- 2015 Bentayga – the first Bentley SUV, this expensive car is one of the most popular Bentley models worldwide.
Established in: 1919 by W.O. Bentley.
Based in: Crewe, Bentley Motors is the first carbon neutral luxury automotive factory in the UK.
3. Jaguar
This British luxury car company founded by William Lyons quickly established a reputation for their racing cars. They have continued this tradition with the Jaguar Formula E team.
The largest car manufacturer in the UK, Jaguar Land Rover have assembly sites and plants in Castle Bromwich, Halewood and Solihull.
Famous Jaguar models:
- Jaguar D-Type – produced between 1954 and 1957, this car brought aviation technology to car design. The D-Type won Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957.
- Jaguar E-Type – with a top speed of 150 mph in 1961, this distinctive looking car became an instant classic.
- Jaguar XK120 – in 1948 this was the fastest production car in the world at launch, at 124.6 mph. It was manufactured for six years from 1948 to 1954.
Established in: 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company. The marque changed its name to Jaguar Cars in 1945 after the success of the SS Jaguar car in 1935. The company was merged with Land Rover in 2013.
Based in: Whitley, Coventry.
4. Land Rover
The most well known off-roaders in the world, Land Rover cars now come with all mod cons. These luxury cars have featured in many movies, including Judge Dredd, where Land Rover is the only remaining car producer.
Famous Land Rover models:
- Land Rover Defender – developed in the 1980s, this SUV quickly gained a reputation for versatility. The new Land Rover Defender 2020 carries on the tradition, while incorporating modern safety features.
- Land Rover Series IIA SAS Pink Panther – the dusty pink color was effective desert camouflage for the SAS soldiers in the Oman desert. It featured machine guns and smoke grenades.
- Range Rover Evoque – the lightest ever Range Rover and the most fuel efficient. The panoramic sunroof is an added bonus.
Established in: 1978, the marque is now owned by multinational car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover and is a subsidiary of Tata Motors.
Based in: Whitley, Coventry.
5. Lotus
Renowned for their superior handling and light weight, Lotus Cars are one of the most famous British sports car brands. They are built by hand and put through their paces on the brand’s test track at Hethel.
The Lotus Evija is one of the most compelling reasons to explore electric luxury vehicles, as the first British all-electric hypercar, it signals where British car manufacturing is heading.
Famous Lotus models:
- Lotus 7 – a lightweight 2 seater car produced between 1957 and 1972, this stripped back model epitomizes Colin Chapmans’s “simplify, then add lightness” philosophy.
- Lotus Esprit – originally created as a styling exercise by Giugiaro Design, the showcar proved so popular that Lotus produced it. You may recognize the Lotus Esprit Series 1 from the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.
- Lotus Evija – the first British all-electric hypercar. This is also the world’s most powerful series production road car, with a target power output of 2,000 PS.
Established in: 1948 by Colin Chapman.
Based in: Norwich.
6. McLaren
Creating luxury supercars and high performance sports cars, McLaren Automotive are known for their technical innovations. They introduced a carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 in 1981 with the McLaren MP4/1.
Famous McLaren models:
- McLaren F1 – with a top speed of 240 mph, this supercar set a record for the fastest car in the world in 1998.
- McLaren P1 – this hybrid hypercar boasts a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 together with a lightweight electric motor, giving total power output of 903hp.
- McLaren Senna – this homage to Ayrton Senna is road-legal yet reaches 124mph in 6.8 seconds.
Established in: 1985 by Ron Dennis.
Based in: Woking, Surrey.
7. MG
One of the oldest British car brands still in production, MG is now a subsidiary of Chinese owned SAIC Motor. Known for their affordable two-seater open sports cars, MG had great success in races such as the Mille Miglia in the 1930s.
Famous MG models:
- MG B – the best-selling MG of all time, this roadster was produced from 1962 to 1980.
- MG EX 120 – nicknamed the Magic Midget, it set a land speed record in 1931 of 103.13mph.
- EX181 – in 1957, Sir Stirling Moss achieved a speed of 245.64mph with this 1489cc engine.
Established in: 1920s and founded by Cecil Kimber.
Based in: Marylebone, London.
8. Mini
One of the most famous British car brands ever, Mini started out as a line of small cars by the British Motor Corporation. A symbol of the 60’s, the original Mini was produced until 2000.
Mr Bean’s 1976 Mini 1000 featured a detachable steering wheel and key and padlock entry system. Now owned by BMW, the brand is active in the World Rally Championships.
Famous Mini models:
- Mini Mark 1 – also marketed as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor was produced from 1959 to 1967. The classic Mini had 3 race wins at the Monte Carlo rally from 1964 to 1967.
- Mini Cooper S – featured in the movie The Italian Job with an epic car chase through Turin. Actor Steve McQueen bought his car from the co-founder, John Cooper.
- New Mini – 28 female gymnasts crammed into the New Mini hatchback in 2014, setting a new Guinness World Record.
Established in: 1969
Based in: Cowley, near Oxford for the production of the Mini Hatch/Hardtop, Clubman, Coupe and Roadster. The Mini Convertible and Countryman are assembled in the Netherlands.
9. Morgan
These British sports cars were originally 2 seaters. The frames are still hand-built from lightweight ashwood, underneath an aluminium body.
Famous Morgan models:
- V6 Roadster – the most powerful car in the Morgan Classic Range, with a 3.7 litre V6 engine.
- Three Wheeler – despite its retro looks, this continuation model goes from 0-62 mph in 6 seconds. Exposure to the elements gives you the feel of being on a motorcycle.
- Aero 8 – with a powerful BMW V8 engine reaching 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and distinctive retro styling, the Aero 8 was an immediate success.
Established in: 1909 by by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan.
Based in: Malvern, Worcestershire.
10. Rolls-Royce
This iconic British car brand was founded by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. Rolls-Royce famously maintains that around 60% to 75% of all cars it has ever built throughout its history are still on the road today.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is currently the top selling new model. This beautiful car is a popular choice for fans of technology, with a Micro-Environment Purification System and a planar suspension system.
Famous Rolls-Royce models:
- Silver Ghost – named by Autocar as the best car in the world in 1907, the Ghost got its name from its quietness while driving.
- Phantom – there have been various Phantom models since the Phantom I rolled off production lines in 1925. Famous owners include Fred Astaire and John Lennon.
- Silver Shadow – also known as the Silver Wraith II, this model had a V8 engine and over 170 horse power.
Established in: 1904 as Rolls-Royce Limited. The marque is now Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a subsidiary of BMW.
Based in: Westhampnett, Sussex.
11. TVR
This British manufacturer of luxury sports cars was at one point the third largest specialized sports car producer in the world. They are known for their lightweight yet powerful models.
Famous TVR models:
- Griffith 400 – the brainchild of Jack Griffith, this rare TVR had a Ford engine producing 271 hp and weighed a lot less than its rival, the AC Cobra.
- Grantura – the first TVR production model, it was popular in the United States and the UK.
- Vixen – this hand-built car was manufactured from 1967 to 1973 and had a Ford engine.
Established in: 1947 by Jack Pickard and Trevor Wilkinson.
Based in: Whiteley, Hampshire.
12. Vauxhall
Vauxhall is the British name for the marque, while it is known as Opel in most other countries. Originally a luxury car producer, the brand focused on mid-market offerings when it was bought by General Motors.
Today, Vauxhall is a subsidiary of the French car manufacturer Groupe PSA. The new all electric Vauxhall Mokka-e has a range of up to 201 miles, swanky infotainment system and 136hp electric motor.
Vauxhall cars are assembled at the company’s Ellesmere Port site near Chester.
Famous Vauxhall models:
- Opel GT 1968-1973 – an elegant 2-door coupe designed by Corvette stylist Clare Makichan.
- VXR8 – this performance car had a 6.2 litre V8 engine producing 586 horsepower.
- VX220 Turbo – inspired by the Lotus Elise, this roadster was produced at the Lotus manufacturing plant from 2003 to 2005. It was also sold as the left-hand drive Opel Speedster Turbo.
Established in: 1857 as a marine engine and pump manufacturer, Vauxhall began building cars in 1903.
Based in: Luton, Bedfordshire.
13. Caterham
Caterham Cars is the spiritual successor to the Lotus Seven, a stripped-back, lightweight sports car philosophy that has barely changed in over 50 years. The company took over production of the Seven from Lotus in 1973 and has been refining the formula ever since, proving that raw driving feel doesn’t need much more than four wheels, an engine and no unnecessary weight.
Although Caterham was acquired by the Japanese automotive retailer group VT Holdings in 2021, manufacturing and design stay in the UK.
Famous Caterham models:
- Caterham Seven 420 CUP – built for track day thrills, this model channels motorsport-derived aerodynamics into a road legal package.
- Caterham Seven 170 – the entry point into the range, proving that low power paired with low weight can still be exhilarating.
- Caterham Seven 620 – the fastest production Seven ever built, capable of reaching 62mph in under 3 seconds.
Established in: 1973 by Graham Nearn, originally as Seven Cars Limited.
Based in: Dartford, England, with roots in the town of Caterham, Surrey.
14. Ariel Motor Company
One of Britain’s smallest and most singular car manufacturers, Ariel produces fewer than 100 cars a year by hand. The company revived a name last associated with motorcycles and early 1900s roadsters, applying it to a radically different kind of vehicle: the exoskeletal, doorless, roofless Atom.
Famous Ariel models:
- Ariel Atom – with its exposed tubular chassis and no bodywork to speak of, the Atom became an instant cult classic among driving purists.
- Ariel Nomad – an off-road interpretation of the Atom concept, built for desert racing as much as green laning.
- Ariel Atom 4 – the latest generation, powered by a Honda Civic Type R-derived engine for supercar-baiting acceleration.
Established in: 1991 as Solocrest Ltd by Simon Saunders, renamed Ariel Motor Company in 1999.
Based in: Crewkerne, Somerset.
15. RBW EV Cars
RBW takes a different approach to British motoring heritage: rather than reviving an old marque, it rebuilds the spirit of classic roadsters as fully electric vehicles. Each car is hand-built to order, blending vintage-inspired coachwork with modern EV powertrains.
Famous RBW models:
- RBW Roadster – a classic-styled electric roadster with a starting price around $139,000, aimed at collectors who want heritage looks without the maintenance headaches of a vintage engine.
- RBW GT – a closed-top grand tourer variant, built on the same hand-crafted EV platform.
Established in: RBW has built up its business over several years of development, receiving renewed investment and attention in 2024 when it launched a related venture, Spirit, backed by $18 million in funding.
Based in: United Kingdom, with plans to also open a production facility in Danville, Virginia.
16. Longbow Motorcar Company
Longbow is one of the newest names in British car manufacturing, founded by two engineers with backgrounds at Tesla and Lucid. The company’s ambition is to build genuinely lightweight electric sports cars at a time when most EVs are weighed down by ever larger batteries.
Famous Longbow models:
- Longbow Speedster – unveiled in 2025, this open-top EV weighs just 895kg, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds and a range of around 275 miles.
- Longbow Roadster – announced for 2027, this closed variant will expand the range further.
Established in: 2023 by Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott.
Based in: United Kingdom.
17. Noble Automotive
Noble built its reputation on producing analogue, driver-focused supercars at a time when most rivals were adding ever more electronic driver aids. Founded by designer and engineer Lee Noble, the company has changed hands since his departure but has kept faith with the same handcrafted, mid-engined philosophy.
Famous Noble models:
- Noble M12 – the model that established the brand, a twin-turbo sports car built for precise handling over outright luxury.
- Noble M400 – a lighter, more focused evolution of the M12 platform.
- Noble M600 – released in 2009, this analogue supercar stripped out ABS and traction control entirely, priced at around £200,000 for buyers who wanted pure mechanical feel.
Established in: 1999 by Lee Noble.
Based in: Leicester, England.
18. Radical Motorsport
Radical began as a way for its two amateur racer founders to build their own competitive cars, and grew into one of Britain’s most prolific producers of road-legal track machines. Its cars are known for superbike-derived engines and aerodynamics that deliver genuine race car performance in a package you can drive to the circuit yourself.
Famous Radical models:
- Radical SR3 – the brand’s best-selling model, a lightweight, open-cockpit sports car built for both road and track use.
- Radical SR10 – launched in 2021, this turbocharged model produces over 425bhp in a car weighing a fraction of a typical supercar.
- Radical RXC – available in GT3 and Spyder form, this is Radical’s take on a street-legal LMP-derived sports car.
Established in: January 1997 by Phil Abbott and Mick Hyde.
Based in: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
Former British Car Brands
- Alvis – founded in Coventry in 1919 by Thomas George John, Alvis built acclaimed models like the Speed 20 and the 4.3-Litre before car production ended in 1967, when the company became a subsidiary of Rover.
- Austin – founded in 1905, the marque Austin was used until 1987 and known for the Austin Princess and Seven models.
- Austin Healey – a joint venture between Austin and the Donald Healey Motor Company, founded in 1952.
- Bristol Cars – founded in 1945 as an offshoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, it built hand-crafted, low-volume luxury saloons in Filton and later Patchway. The marque finally went into liquidation in 2020, after 75 years of trading.
- Jensen Motors – known for the Jensen Interceptor model, styled in Turin, Italy with a Chrysler V8 engine.
- Lola Cars – founded in 1958 by Eric Broadley, Lola became one of the world’s most prolific racing car manufacturers, building everything from Formula One chassis to Le Mans prototypes, before closing in 2012.
- Rover – founded in 1878 (originally as a bicycle maker), Rover became one of Britain’s most enduring car names, spawning Land Rover as a subsidiary before merging into British Leyland in 1967.
- Triumph Motor Company – the rights to the marque are owned by BMW so who knows, it may be revived one day.
- Wolseley – established in 1901 by Herbert Austin with backing from the Vickers armaments family, Wolseley was briefly the biggest car maker in Britain, producing 12,000 cars in 1921 alone, before merging into the British Motor Corporation.
Who Owns the Major British Car Brands Today?
One of the most common questions about British car brands is who actually owns them now. The short answer: most are foreign-owned, yet still manufacture cars in the UK.
The SMMT Motor Industry Facts 2026 reports that the UK automotive industry supports around 830,000 total jobs across the wider sector, with 188,000 people employed directly in manufacturing.
●Aston Martin: publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. Major shareholders include a Saudi Arabian consortium and Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll.
●Bentley: owned by Volkswagen Group (Germany) since 1998.
●Jaguar Land Rover: owned by Tata Motors (India) since 2008.
●Lotus: majority-owned by Geely (China) since 2017.
●McLaren: privately held, with investment from Bahraini sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat.
●MG: owned by SAIC Motor (China).
●Mini: owned by BMW Group (Germany).
●Morgan: majority-owned by Italian private equity firm Investindustrial since 2019.
●Rolls-Royce: owned by BMW Group (Germany) since 2003.
●Vauxhall: owned by Stellantis (Netherlands/France) following the PSA acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall.
Despite the international ownership, brands such as Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Morgan still build their cars in Britain.
Are There Any British Car Brands Still Made in the UK?
Yes, several British car brands continue to manufacture vehicles inside the United Kingdom.
●Aston Martin builds cars at its Gaydon plant in Warwickshire and its St Athan facility in Wales.
●Bentley produces all of its cars at its Crewe factory, which it describes as the UK’s first carbon neutral luxury automotive factory.
●Jaguar Land Rover operates assembly plants in Castle Bromwich, Halewood, and Solihull.
●Lotus still uses its Hethel test track and Norfolk facility for some production, though EV models have wider international production.
●McLaren assembles all cars at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey.
●Mini Hatch/Hardtop, Clubman, Coupe, and Roadster models are built at the Cowley plant near Oxford.
●Morgan hand-builds every car at its Malvern, Worcestershire factory.
●Rolls-Royce manufactures at its Goodwood plant in Westhampnett, Sussex.
So while the ownership may sit overseas, British craftsmanship and British factory jobs remain very much part of the story.
Key Takeaways
●Over 18 active British car brands, from Aston Martin to Vauxhall.
●Most are foreign-owned but still build cars in the UK.
●Bentley’s Crewe factory: the UK’s first carbon neutral luxury car plant.
●Rolls-Royce: over 60% of cars ever built still on the road.
●McLaren F1: held the world’s fastest production car record (240 mph) from 1998.
●Morgan still hand-builds every car in Malvern, Worcestershire.
●Jaguar Land Rover: the largest car manufacturer in the UK.
Final Thoughts on the Best British Car Brands
The British automotive industry has produced some exceptional car marques. Many people are fiercely loyal to their preferred British car brands and will drive them through thick and thin.
Whether you’re a Bentley enthusiast or an MG fan, there is something to love about the best British car brands. Cars like these not only provide a dose of nostalgia but also come with the added assurance of quality that is still associated with British vehicles.
If you want to learn more about vehicle brands before taking the plunge with British motors, then check out our other motoring articles, which cover everything from American luxury car manufacturers to the most expensive car brands worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any British car brands left?
Yes, there are still several active British car brands, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, McLaren, MG, Mini, Morgan, Rolls-Royce, TVR, and Vauxhall. Most are now foreign-owned, but many still build their cars inside the United Kingdom.
What is the most famous British luxury car brand?
Rolls-Royce is widely regarded as the most famous British luxury car brand. Founded in 1904, it has been associated with royalty, heads of state, and celebrities for over a century.
The Silver Ghost was named the best car in the world by Autocar in 1907, and more than 60% of all Rolls-Royce cars ever built are still on the road today.
Which British car brands are owned by British companies?
Very few British car brands remain under British ownership. Aston Martin is the closest, being publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, though it has significant international investors.
Morgan passed to Italian private equity in 2019. Most other iconic brands, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Mini, Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus, and MG, are owned by German, Indian, or Chinese parent companies.
What are some old British car brands that no longer exist?
Historic British car brands that are no longer in production include Austin (founded 1905, discontinued 1987), Austin-Healey (a joint venture active from 1952), Jensen Motors (known for the Jensen Interceptor), and Triumph Motor Company (whose rights are now held by BMW). Many enthusiasts hope the Triumph name will be revived.
What is the top 10 British car brand list?
The top 10 British car brands by prestige and heritage are typically listed as: Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, McLaren, Lotus, Mini, Morgan, and MG. Vauxhall and TVR round out a broader top 12 for those interested in mainstream and specialist sports cars respectively.
A lot of luxury cars, but I think most people know only that Mini Morris is a British car , from Mr.Bean show.
Bristol and Alvis come to mind immediately as former brands. Both deserving of a full write up
Wolseley the British police car and rover
Eric Broadley’s Lola
Alec Issigonis (Mini’s designer) deserves mention. Earned him an OBE in ’64 and a Knighthood in ’69.
Last but not least: the fearsome MG Metro 6M4 group B