Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
For many petrol lovers, car enthusiasts and avid vehicle collectors, classics are only enjoyed in the summer.
During the months when the temperatures drop, the rain falls in abundance and the spreaders are out to spread salt on the freezing roads, those with cars of a certain age decide to wrap their possessions for the winter for safe keeping.
The cooler months are often used for projects or renovations in time for the months of the sun’s reappearance.
But it doesn’t have to be like that, according to classic car experts.
John Mayhead, editor of the Hagerty Price Guide, says there are plenty of engines for all budgets that it can withstand the worst British weather.
‘Driving vintage cars doesn’t have to be a summer pursuit, as these practical and stylish historic cars show,’ explains John.
Here are his top ten picks – and how much a good example would cost on the market right now.
1. Land Rover Defender (1983-2015)
Hagerty value: £33,100 (2.4 TDCi 110)
The Land Rover Defender 110 is an obvious choice, given its power as a reliable workhorse
We’ll get the obvious out of the way.
Amazing in all conditions, and the more modern Wolf engines offer power, reliability and more than the basic interior ‘comfort’ offered by some earlier Land Rovers.
2. Fiat Panda 4×4 (1986-1992)
Hagerty value: 6400 pounds
The most affordable model on the list is the Fiat Panda 4X4 of the first generation – a small car that can pass any terrain
Launched in 1983, the 4×4 version of the Fiat Panda offers an ultra-low first gear ratio and a reinforced body shell.
Go anywhere in the Italian Alps and you’ll still find plenty of these in use because they’re so capable in extreme conditions.
3. Jensen FF (1966-1971)
Hagerty value: 63,400 pounds
Do you want accreditations for winter driving? The Jensen FF was tested on an alpine ski slope in the late sixties
Launched at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in 1965, the Jensen FF was a revolutionary car, the first production all-terrain vehicle to feature both four-wheel drive and anti-lock braking system.
Named after its ‘Ferguson Formula’ four-wheel drive system, it was famously ‘road’ tested on an Alpine ski slope in 1968.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX Mk2 (2000-2007)
Hagerty value: 9200 pounds
The second-generation Bugeye and Blobeye Subaru Impreza WRX may not have the kudos of the mk1, but they’re a great affordable option
They may not be the prettiest Impreza on the market, but the second-generation ‘Bugeye’ and ‘Blobeye’ cars currently offer all-wheel drive, ABS brakes and a generous amount of power for little money.
Even the performance-oriented WRX STi is reasonably priced compared to its later, facelifted siblings.
5. Porsche 911 2.7RS Safari (1973)
Hagerty value: 1.88 million pounds
Converted from the legendary 2.7 Lightweight, rally-ready Safari, this is a classic Porsche with serious off-road ability and a high price tag.
One of two cars built by the factory for the East African Safari Rally in 1973 was offered for sale last year at auction by Broad Arrow, with a reduced starting price of $2.5m (£1.88m).
For that you get a car that can go anywhere. Everything is reinforced, there are protective plates, bars, thick tires and even a roof rack.
6. Willy’s/ Ford MB Jeep (1941, 1945)
Hagerty value: 16,900 pounds
A World War II legend, there is no weather the British winter can throw at the Willys Jeep that will deter it
The values of this WWII icon have waned over the past few years, making it more accessible as a practical and very special classic.
They may not be the most comfortable ride, but, like the Land Rover, there aren’t many places they can’t go.
7. Audi ‘Ur’ Quattro (1980-1991)
Hagerty value: £43,800 (RR Quattro)
The rally car that changed everything: the Quattro is a competition legend that appreciates its price
The car’s racing sibling was a rally legend for a reason: its phenomenal road holding thanks to its quattro four-wheel drive, front-mounted engine (which gives it traction in tough conditions) and suspension setup.
The road versions were also fast: in the ultimate Sport Quattro form, the car was as fast as a Lamborghini Countach in a sprint race.
8. Volkswagen ‘Baja Bug’ Beetle (late 1960s)
Hagerty value: Around £12,500
Baja Buys are VW Beetles with raised and improved suspension, roll bars, fat tires and cut-out body panels
The Baja 1000 is one of the most brutal races in the world, over a thousand miles of racing through the Mexican desert and an event synonymous with modified VW Beetles.
Cars that have been rebuilt in the UK tend to use a raised and improved suspension, roll bar, chunky tires and cut body panels.
Being air-cooled, they actually work better in cold weather, but wrap up warm – many have foregone side windows to keep weight down.
9. Range Rover Classic (1970-1996)
Hagerty value: £10,700 (4-door Vogue)
The original Range Rover was the first true luxury SUV. It is likely to become a valuable asset
The point of the Range Rover was to provide the off-road capability of a Land Rover, but with the comforts of home that a wealthy 1970s executive would appreciate.
It worked, and today the early Range Rovers with two and four doors have become collectibles.
Later LSE and EFI examples command a premium, but be sure to check out the chassis as the rust is legendary.
10. AM General Humvee Mk1 (1992-2004)
Hagerty value: 22,500 pounds
A car good enough for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the H1 Hummer is a rare find in the UK
If you have a massive driveway that can handle this monster’s four-ton weight, then the Hummer could be for you.
Designed for the US military, it has been used in operations around the world, and you can even adjust the tire pressure from the cab, which is useful if you’re going over rough terrain and using 16 inches of ground clearance.
Prices are not as high as you would expect. A UK-registered version with 51,000 miles sold online last year for £22,500.
Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them, we may earn a small commission. This helps us fund This Is Money and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.
