British sports cars have been renowned for their sense of distinctive style. Not as full of finesse as their Italian equivalent, or as powerful as their American brothers, the British sports car is famous for its exquisite quality and craftsmanship. Add to this some amazing handling cars, some very distinct designs and an exhaust note that would make your heart sing and you see why these machines are so desirable. So, let’s look at some of the best.

Lotus Elise

This little beauty is a worthy Lotus and is a testament to Colin Chapman and the company’s roots. It’s a tiny machine without any extras in terms of weight or luxury in the true Lotus way. The Elise was a perky little car with amazing handling and saved Lotus from the brink of bankruptcy. It was produced until 2006, where a Series 2 model came out in the US.

Aston Martin DB5

With all the James Bond hype at the moment, it’s nice to look back to the old if less than humble origins of Bond’s autos. The DB5 is a beautiful machine and was powered by a 4 litre engine that managed 282 horsepower and 143 mph- fast for 1963, The car is one of the most desirable of all British sports cars, frankly because it’s beautiful and also as it’s Bond’s car.

Jaguar E Type

Enzo Ferrari titled the Jag, the most beautiful car ever made and anyone who has witnessed one will agree. The car also managed however to drive as it looked and could manage up to 150mph. The 3.8 litre engine was amply powerful, though the car is a work of aesthetic art and one of the finest pieces of British design of all time in any area of manufacturing.

Austin Healy Sprite

One of the most popular British sports cars, mainly because it was affordable. The little Austin and lesser so its MG Midget cousin were great little machines that allowed low cost thrills and frills too. The little Austin was a great driver’s car and suitably is one of the most popular modified purchased and contract hire sports cars for track days of all time.

MG TC

This little car really changed the world of sports cars and is spectacular in its own right. The car broke America after American GIs brought them home or purchased them in the states after driving them in Europe. The MG became a phenomenon and is still highly desirable today.

British sports cars offer something many others don’t. Aside from reliability and other issues, they are car enthusiast’s machines, with plenty to offer.

Cormac Reynolds works for First Vehicle Leasing a UK car leasing contract hire company.