Top 12 Best British Owned Car Manufacturers

The UK is a country with a rich history of automobile manufacturing, being one of the major vehicle manufacturers in the world in the 1950s. However, today the strong growth of other countries such as Japan, the US, Korea,…. make the UK no longer holds the leading position in the automobile manufacturing industry, but the UK still maintains its reputation. Several famous British car brands are still in business and going strong to this day. There are a few of the British owned car manufacturers that we will introduce to you.

British Owned Car Manufacturers: 12 Best Brands

British owned car manufacturers offer a wide range of products, from racing cars to electric supercars and elegant salons. The diversity of vehicle types brings diversity in needs and customer segments around the world. In any car brand, you can easily find your favorite car.

1. Aston Martin Lagonda

Classic British owned car manufacturers. They are meticulously handcrafted for a classic and unique look. Including not only the Aston Martin brand but also Lagonda.

Aston Martin was founded in 1913 as Bamford & Martin Ltd after the founders of this car brand. A few years later it fell into a deep crisis as sales fell into a constant state of loss, product quality declined, and employees became frustrated. Fortunately, thanks to the innovation of in-house designer William Towns, the brand has revived as the first premium car manufacturer to be powered entirely by zero-emission engine technology.

The Aston Martin logo is based on an Egyptian scarab and has a pair of wings.

Currently, Aston Martin’s headquarters are located in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Featured products of Aston Martin:

• Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 2020 – With a dial plate and many other James Bond gadgets, this continuation model costs $ 3.5 million.
• 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda – the world’s first production car with a digital instrument panel, this saloon was designed by William Towns.
• James Bond’s car in the movie Die Another Day is a 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish.

2. Bentley

This is one of the best British owned car manufacturers.

Bentley was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley. This place is famous for its large cars that bring comfort to passengers. Besides, this car company has also built some great versions of sports cars. Bentley cars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930.

In recent years they have built an ultra-luxury saloon, the Bentley Mulsanne, as well as the Bentley Blower Continuation

Series, a limited edition of their classic Birkin Blower.

Currently, Bentley is a pioneer in the production of carbon-neutral luxury cars in the UK. It has its headquarters in Crewe.

Famous Bentley models:

• 1929 Birkin Blower – named after the supercharger that pumps air into the engine, this car participated in the Le Mans 24 Hours race. It appeared in three of Ian Fleming’s novels as the first James Bond car.
• The 2003 Continental GT, a two-door coupe with four seats, was an instant success and remains the best-selling model today.
• The 2015 Bentley Bentayga is Bentley’s first SUV and one of the most popular Bentley vehicles globally.

3. Jaguar

This is the most luxury brand among the British owned car manufacturers.

William Lyons founded this British luxury car manufacturer in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar, which immediately made a name for its racing cars. This tradition was continued by the Jaguar Formula E team.

In 1945, the brand changed its name to Jaguar Cars after the huge success of the SS Jaguar and it merged with Land Rover in 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s largest car manufacturer, has production and assembly plants in Castle Bromwich, Halewood, and Solihull. Corporate headquarters are located in Whitley, Coventry.

Famous Jaguar models:

• Jaguar D-Type – produced from 1954 to 1957, this car brought aeronautical technology into car design. D-Type won Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957.
• Jaguar E-Type – With a top speed of 150 mph in 1961, this unique-looking car became an instant classic.
• Jaguar XK120 – in 1948 it was the fastest produced car in the world at its debut, with a speed of 124.6 mph. It was produced for six years from 1948 to 1954.

4. Land Rover

Currently, Land Rover is the most famous off-road vehicle in the world. It equips its car with all the latest and most modern amenities. These luxury cars have appeared in many movies, including Judge Dredd, when Land Rover was the only car manufacturer left.

The brand was founded in 1978 and it is currently owned by Jaguar Land Rover – a multinational car manufacturer and a subsidiary of Tat Motors. Land Rover is currently headquartered in Whiley, Coventry.

Popular Land Rover models include:

• Land Rover Defender – Introduced in the 1980s, this SUV was immediately known for its adaptability. The new 2020 Land Rover Defender maintains history while incorporating advanced safety measures.
• The dusty pink color of the Land Rover Series IIA SAS Pink Panther is an effective desert camouflage for SAS forces in the desert of Oman. It is equipped with machine guns and smoke bombs.
• Range Rover Evoque is the lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. The panoramic sunroof is a beauty.

5. Lotus

When it comes to British owned car manufacturers, it is impossible not to mention Lotus.

Lotus Cars, one of the famous British sports car brands, is known for its outstanding performance and lightweight. They are handcrafted and tested on the brand’s test track in Hethel.

It was founded by Colin Chapman in 1948 and is headquartered in Norwich.

Famous Lotus models include:

• Lotus 7 – a lightweight two-seater produced from 1957 to 1972, embodying Colin Chapmans’ “simplify, then increase light” concept.
• Lotus Esprit – Originally designed by Giugiaro Design as an exercise in styling, the show car proved so successful that Lotus produced it. Lotus Esprit Series 1 was introduced in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me.
• Lotus Evija – the world’s first all-electric supercar. With a target capacity of 2,000 PS, it is also the most powerful mass-produced road car in the world.

6. McLaren

McLaren Automotive is known for its technological advancements in the production of luxury supercars and high-performance sports cars. The McLaren MP4/1 is the first Formula 1 car to use a carbon fiber chassis.

This car company was founded in 1985 by Ron Dennis and became one of the best British owned car manufacturers. It is currently headquartered in Woking, Surrey.

Famous McLaren models include:

• McLaren F1 – With a top speed of 240 km/h, this supercar set the world record for the fastest car in 1998.
• McLaren P1 – This hybrid supercar is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine and a lightweight electric motor, producing a total capacity of 903 horsepower.
• McLaren Senna – this legitimate homage to the Ayrton Senna hits 124mph in 6.8 seconds.

7. MG

One of the oldest British owned car manufacturers still in production.

SAIC Motor, a Chinese company, now owns MG. During the 1930s, MG was known for its inexpensive two-seat open-top sports cars, and they had considerable success in races like the Mille Miglia.

The company was founded in 1920 by Cecil Kimber. The company’s headquarters are in Mýlebone, London.

Famous MG models include:

• The MG B is the best-selling MG of all time, and it was produced from 1962 to 1980.
• The MG EX 120, commonly known as the Magic Midget, set a land speed record of 103.13mph in 1931.
• Sir Stirling Moss hit 245.64mph with this 1489cc engine in 1957.

8. Mini

One of the most famous British owned car manufacturers ever.

The Mini started as a line of small cars manufactured by the British Motor Corporation. The original Mini, the icon of the 1960s, was produced in 2000.

Mr. Bean’s Mini 1000 from 1976 includes a detachable steering wheel as well as a key entry system and locks. The brand is now owned by BMW and is competing in the World Circuit Championship.

It was founded in 1969. Its production process is distributed all over the world. Assembly plant in the Netherlands, company headquarters located at Cowley near Oxford to facilitate the production of Mini Hatch / Hardtop, Clubman, Coupe, and Roadster

Popular Mini models include:

• The Mini Mark 1 – also known as the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor – was produced from 1959 to 1967. From 1964 to 1967, the classic Mini won three races at the Monte Carlo race.
• The Mini Cooper S appeared in the movie The Italian Job, which featured an epic car chase through Turin. John Cooper, the co-founder, sold his car to actor Steve McQueen.
• Aero 8 – Equipped with a powerful BMW V8 engine, the Aero 8 can sprint to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and features a unique retro design that is an instant hit.

9. Morgan

Originally, these British sports cars had two seats. Beneath the aluminum body, the frames are still handcrafted from light ash.

Famous Morgan models include:

• With a 3.7-liter V6 engine, the V6 Roadster is the most powerful car in the Morgan Classic line-up.
• Tricycle – Despite its antique look, this continuation model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds. It feels like being on an elevated motorcycle when exposed to the elements.
• The Aero 8 was an instant hit thanks to its powerful BMW V8 engine, which hit 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and its striking classic looks.

Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan founded the company in 1909.

Malvern, Worcestershire is where the headquarters are located.

10. Rolls-Royce

Another iconic British car brand among the best British owned car manufacturers is Rolls-Royce, which was founded by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904. The original name of this car brand was Rolls-Royce Limited.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is now the best-selling new model, and more than 60% of Rolls-Royce vehicles are still in use today. With a Micro-Environment Purification System and a planar suspension system, this attractive car is a popular choice for technology enthusiasts. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, established in Westhampnett, Sussex, is currently a division of BMW.

Famous Rolls-Royce models include:

• The Silver Ghost – voted the best car in the world by Autocar in 1907, the Ghost received its moniker from its peacefulness when driving.
• Phantom – Since the Phantom, I went off the assembly lines in 1925, there have been numerous Phantom versions. Among the famous owners are Fred Astaire and John Lennon.
• Silver Shadow – Also known as the Silver Wraith II, this model featured a V8 engine with more than 170 horsepower.

11. TVR

One of the British owned car manufacturers specializing in the production of luxury sports cars.

TVR was once the world’s third largest manufacturer of specialist sports cars. They are well-known for producing models that are both lightweight and powerful.

Famous TVR models include:

• Griffith 400 – Designed by Jack Griffith, this uncommon TVR featured a Ford engine producing 271 horsepower and weighed significantly less than its rival, the AC Cobra.
• The Grantura was the first TVR production model, and it was popular in the United States and the United Kingdom.
• Vixen Was a hand-built automobile with a Ford engine that was produced from 1967 to 1973.

Jack Pickard and Trevor Wilkinson founded the TVR brand in 1947.

Whiteley, Hampshire is the location of the TVR company.

12. Vauxhall

The brand is known as Vauxhall in the UK, but Opel in most other countries. It was founded in 1857. It was originally a manufacturer of marine engines and only started producing cars in 1903. After being acquired by General Motors, the brand shifted its focus to automobiles. mid-range market.

Vauxhall is now a division of French carmaker Groupe PSA. The new all-electric Vauxhall Mokka-e has a range of up to 201 miles, a smooth infotainment system, and a 136-horsepower electric powertrain.

Vauxhall vehicles are assembled at Port Ellesmere, near Chester.

The company headquarters is located in Luton, Bedfordshire.

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-liter 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.

Conclusion

The automotive industry is growing rapidly around the world. Although the UK is no longer the leading position in the automotive market, it has an admirable history and great achievements. The UK still has some of the world’s most popular British owned car manufacturers. Hopefully, after reading the article, you will know more about the oldest British owned car manufacturers and give yourself more suggestions about your ideal car.

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