The 10 classic British cars worth investing in now before they die out

Classic car enthusiasts are being told to buy British if they want to make a sound investment. But they’ll need to act fast with some models before they die out entirely.

Snap up one of the recommended motors – all of them made in Britain but are now dwindling in numbers – and experts say you could see returns in the coming years.

Rimmer Bros, the classic car part and restoration supplier, has identified 10 British cars they believe will become future classics if they can be saved in time.

These are their top picks, with the cheapest costing less than £2,000.

Get investing: The top 10 British future classics according to classic automotive experts Rimmer Bros

The British company has combined its experience and knowledge in the classic car field with data sources pointing to the rarity of cars to select their top 10 picks.

This information has then been cross-referenced with pricing indexes to determine how much you’d need to pay if you wanted to buy one today.

Rimmer Bros says ‘there’s never been a better time to own a classic’ and experience the joy of owning and driving a piece of cultural and mechanical history.

And some of the cars features provide an affordable gateway into owning and investing in classics, especially for younger motorists interested in older motors.

Andrew Mundy, from Rimmer Bros, said: ‘There is a huge opportunity for younger generations to take up the hobby and start to enjoy the community with a limited barrier to getting involved cost wise.

‘Those who already have a classic car habit can also make reasonable investments on cars that have huge potential.’

Classic cars – those over 40 years of age – offer motorists immediate savings: they don’t need an MOT, are exempt from ULEZ and you don’t pay vehicle excise duty (car tax).

It is often the case that mechanically they are much easier to work on, meaning experts and budding enthusiasts can save money on garage bills by getting their own hands dirty.

‘We feel these are the cars that will definitely have a maintained interest from collectors. Although parts availability is an inherent part of a classic’s appeal, these cars are relatively plentiful currently but will be ones to keep an eye on’, Mundy added.

Here’s the list of 10 British cars Rimmer Bros believe have the potential to become appreciating assets. We’ve listed them in descending order of their value today.

1. Jaguar F-Type (2013-present)

Average price today: £29,200 – £51,100

Cars left registered: 4,855

Cars left SORN: 526

Jaguar will bid goodbye to the F-Type with its limited edition ZP this year, with colours and trims that tribute the E-Type

Launched in 2013, the F-Type was introduced as Jaguar’s ‘spiritual successor’ to the infamous E-Type.

Coupe or convertible, the Jaguar F-Type is a head-turner – and one that delivers performance across all specifications and engines.

The F-Type ends production this year, bidding farewell with a 150 limited run ZP model. The ZP will be racing inspired, with colours combinations from historic E-Types. Fitted with the top powertrain – a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 – the F Type is going out in the fast lane.

Rimmer Bros say you can pick up a good example of an earlier model for less than £30,000 today.

The F Type has almost as much power as a 911, with performance that wows across all engines and trims

Jaguar’s modern successor to the E-Type has the looks as well as the thrills, and its likely to become a cherished collectors cars in the future

What the experts say?

Rimmer Bros told us: ‘The F-Type is the ultimate purchase for those looking for fun with their classics. A two-seater treat and with almost as much power as a 911, this is rightly a thrill to drive.

‘Resales at present are relatively low, but the cost is a mighty tempting reason to perhaps investigate.

‘Over time, this will evolve into a classic, cherished by those who were among the first to experience it when it was brand new. It helps that they look the part too.’

2. Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition (2015-2016)

Average price today: £29,200 – £43,800

Cars left registered: 8

Cars left SORN: 4

The Defender Heritage Edition is highly sought after thanks to its limited production run

It has all the nods to Landy’s origins that traditionalists love but with modern twists today’s buyers want

This limited-edition Defender is highly sought after, not just because of the small production run, but because of its modern interpretation of the famous HUE 166 Land Rover.

The ‘Huey’ was the first pre-production Series I dating back to 1947.

Collectors will appreciate the tributes to Land Rover’s modest beginnings mixed with modern comforts like Almond cloth seats, perforated leather steering wheel and aluminum metal trims.

Prices are still pretty steep today, but there are examples available around the £30,000 mark.

‘The Huey’ was the first pre-production Series I and this Heritage Edition pays homage to the 1947 model

What do the experts say?

‘The Defender is known as one of the most formidable of Land Rover’s models in the last few decades.

‘The Heritage edition was released in the striking and iconic Grasmere Green, which was a nod to the original colour of the first Land Rovers produced 68 years before.

‘Only 400 were made, so finding one and bringing it up to working order or maintaining it is a challenge many will relish. Still relatively affordable, now’s the time to take a look.’

3. Range Rover Evoque L538 (2011-2018)

Average price today: £14,600 – £32,850

Cars left registered: 125,889

Cars left SORN: 1,331

The Evoque was a hit from the off, and it’s look have hardly changed over time

The first generation Evoque (L538) in 2011 was wildly popular with new car buyers.

Visually it’s hardly changed over the years, making it an appealing buy no matter the year, though Rimmer Bros says the original is the one they would jump for.

When the second-generation model arrived, JLR did away with the three-door version. This means the coupe-like models are rarer today.

In 2012, a special edition Victoria Beckham version launched with hand-finished details from the designer – find one of these are it should provide good returns.

Victoria Beckham worked with Land Rover on a special edition of the Evoque in 2012

What do the experts say?

‘The Evoque has been a car that arrived with a heralded introduction and changed Range Rover forever.

‘Spotting a way to make the boxy, rough reputation more family and indeed, city friendly, the Evoque continues to be one of the most successful of the Rover family.

‘Newer versions come out regularly, but older models will retain that value and prestige for years to come, placing it easily within our list.’

4. Jaguar XE S (2015-2017)

You can hear the XE S coming’ Rimmer Bros say, and the fact that Jaguar are phasing out production will add to its collectability

Average price today: £14,600 – £25,450

Cars left registered: 902

Cars left SORN: 39

The compact executive saloon hit the market in 2015, with the S being the range topping model.

With a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet is the same one lifted from the F-Type range, which boasted 335bhp and a 0-to-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds.

That’s not bad for a compact executive family car that you can use for the school run and weekly grocery shop.

What do the experts say?

‘The XE S is one of those sedans that you can hear coming. A beautiful and powerful beast, they have enjoyed a reasonable reputation for performance and still look very striking now.

‘As Jaguar are phasing out production, we think this will become a sought-after model that would be a future collector’s dream.’

5. Jaguar XKR (1998-2006)

E-Type for less: you can see the inspiration in the front-hinge hood of the XKR

A performance Jag with a beautiful classic look that’s flying under the radar, the XKR can be snapped up for a very affordable price tag currently

Average price today: £7,300 – £18,250

Cars left registered: 3,500

Cars left SORN: 1,600

A spicier version of the top selling XK8, the XKR – like the F-Type we’ve listed earlier -was inspired by the E-Type. The front-hinged hood being a nod to the iconic classic British sports car.

The XKR combined interior luxury and a thoroughbred supercharged 4.0-litre V8 einge.

What do the experts say?

‘The XKR was a model known for its power and technology at the time and remains a suitably breathtaking look for collectors that want a performance Jag.

‘The initial version before a rethink in 2009 is really very affordable at the moment, but we see this as a shining star for collectors in the future.’

6. MG ZT 260 (2003-2005)

A flagship of the British marque: The MG ZT 260 had the power of a Mustang with the luxury of  a saloon

The reliability and excellent engineering quality of MG means this car will hold its condition well

Average price today: £7,500 – £11,950

Cars left registered: 12

Cars left SORN: 21

The flagship of MG Rover at the time, the ZT has a surprise in store.

Under the extensive bonnet is a Ford Mustang-sourced 3.6-litre V8 powerplant.

Subtle and sophisticated from the outside, put your foot down and it instantly became one of the most imposing models in its class in the early noughties.

What do the experts say?

‘MG has long been a fantastic marque for quality and the ZT 260 was a beautiful take on the sports saloon.

‘With a refined look but a meaty pace it was certainly worth the hype at the time and remains a firm favourite for fans of the brand.

‘We think its classic chassis and powerful reputation mean it will become a future collectible.’

7. Jaguar XJR X308 (1998-2003)

The Jaguar XJR X308 is a ‘dying breed of car, a sports saloon that doesn’t feel too overtly sporty’, according to Rimmer Bros

Average price today: £5,110 – £10,950

Cars left registered: 93

Cars left SORN: 89

One of the greatest hits of the Jaguar XJ legacy, the supercharged 4.0-litre V8 X308 JXR came in the heyday between Ford’s takeover of Jaguar and the Tata Motors ownership of Jaguar Land Rover.

While the X308 does arguably have the worst reliability status of the XJR variants of the generation – with the X350 and X358s both deemed more dependable – it does offer a low price point into classic car ownership.

Rimmer Bros say you can get your hands on one today for just over £5,000. Essentially, that’s a V8 saloon for the same money as a 10-year-old Ford Fiesta with a three-cylinder 1.0-litre motor.

What do the experts say?

‘The XJR is one of a dying breed of car, a sports saloon that doesn’t feel too overtly sporty, something truly unique.

‘Jaguar is known for its refinement as much as performance and this was very evident when the X308 was introduced in 1997.’

8. Land Rover Discovery (1989-1998)

Disco in the 80’s and 90’s – this Land Rover was an immediate hit for its station wagon can do it all attitude

Average price today: £3,650 – £10,950

Cars left registered: 1,500

Cars left SORN: 1,900

The Mk1 Discovery was much needed family injection in the Land Rover line-up in between the Range Rover and the Land Rover.

This station wagon is off-road able yet refined enough for long on-road journeys – a real working vehicle.

Today, you can grab one for less than £4,000. Though if your budget stretches, you can get a very good example for around £11,000, the classic car experts say.

What do the experts say?

‘The Land Rover Discovery was rightly seen as an instant classic.

‘For those who know their Land Rovers, it goes without saying that the Discovery is one of the most iconic of the marque, but not without its repair and restoration needs.

‘Learn to fix a Discovery and you’ll not struggle with any other classic!’

9. Rover 75 V8 (2004-2005)

A Bentley for less: the Rover V8 is a rear-wheel drive stately upcoming classic accordingly to Rimmer Bros

The interior luxury you’d expect from a chauffeur car, the 75 V8 is a golden oldie of Rover’s heyday

Average price today: £5,650 – £8,300

Cars left registered: 40

Cars left SORN: 45

A more sedate alternative to the MG ZT V8, the 75 V8 was the only rear-wheel-drive 75 variant sold in the early 2000s. However, it wasn’t in production for long.

With stately looks and a grille that now looks like the Audi ones it’s still got the (cut-price) Bentley air to it.

What do the experts say?

‘This model represents luxury and what many would consider a reliable choice for the time.

‘In the future, these will represent an excellent starting project for many getting into the world of renovation.

‘Affordable at this price point at the moment, this may well be a future classic.’

10. MGF (1995-2002)

The MGF is a great value way into a roadster for young upcoming collectors – you can snap one up for a couple of thousand pounds

Average price today: £1,500 – £6,000

Cars left registered: 23

Cars left SORN: 54

An affordable roaster the MGF is a mighty car for not much money.

With a 2.8-litre K-Series engine and five-speed gearbox, this car is one of the best handlers of its segment’s time and a comfy all-year ride.

Of the 10 models Rimmer Bros recommends as future British classics, the MGF is the cheapest of the lot today.

You can pick up a very nice example for around £6,000, according to the company’s market review.

What do the experts say?

‘MGFs are tons of fun, that’s a fact. Going toe to toe with some of the world’s most impressive smaller sportsters at the time, there’s a reason this model was popular and they remain so.

‘Eminently affordable and with a great, classic look that screams aesthetics as well as performance, this is a no-brainer for those wanting to invest”