Classic British roadsters are elegant machines engineered to be enjoyed at their limits. They’re true sports cars that produce sensations modern sleds just can’t duplicate. They’re lightweight with just enough engine. And like other British motorcars, roadsters teach us how to repair wiring and fix leaks. There may not be another genre that delivers the automotive experience to the same extent. You can spend a lot on a roadster depending on type and heritage, but since they’re plentiful in affordable price ranges, they’re also a great point of entry to classic car ownership. Here are five classic British roadsters currently on sale for every budget.
The car: 1959 Austin-Healey 3000
Price: $49,000
Location: Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
The Austin-Healey 3000, was produced from 1959 to 1967 as the result of a collaboration between the Donald Healey Motor Company and the British Motor Corporation’s Austin brand. The 3000 was the third generation bearing the Austin-Healey name. This Mark I 3000 is numbers matching and has been completely restored to show quality condition. Recent service includes new tires, carburetor rebuild, and new slave cylinder.
The car: 1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
Price: $62,000
Location: Saco, Maine, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
The Jaguar E-Type was called “The most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari. Although it’s a beautiful car, they were built for performance. The Series 2 E-Type came with a 4.2 liter straight six as a coupe, 2+2 coupe or roadster. This British Racing Green E-type has 68,000 original miles, manual transmission, air conditioning, and a restored engine bay. It’s also been converted from two to three carburetors.
The car: 1987 Aston Martin V8 Volante
Price: $159,000
Location: Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
The Aston Martin V8 is not the sexiest car driven by James Bond. Even without the lasers, skis, and missiles the car is a significant piece of Aston Martin history. It marks the change from nimble six cylinder sports cars to eight and twelve cylinder luxury supercars. This Volante has only 7400 miles. It’s offered for sale by the second owner and is one of 245 Series V V8s built.
The car: 1961 Triumph TR3
Price: $24,500
Location: Houston, Texas, USA
Seller’s Info: Click here
The distinctive Triumph TR3 is unmistakably British. Built from 1955 to 1962, the imperial roadster was powered by a four-cylinder engine making nearly 100 horsepower. The face-lifted TR3A had a wider radiator grille and standard front disc brakes. This 1961 is red on black with chrome wire wheels. It has a new radiator, water pump, exhaust, and tires.
The car: 1970 Lotus Elan S4
Price: £22,795
Location: Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England
Seller’s Info: Click here
The early Lotus Elans were more than a basic British lightweight. They were built with a steel backbone chassis topped with a fiberglass body and weighed in at 1,500 pounds. A 1557cc DOHC engine powers the Elan, and the roadster also came standard with four-wheel disc brakes. This Series 4 has 162 bhp, overhauled brake system and a roll bar. It’s available for purchase in England.
If you know of a great, stylish car for sale and would like us to feature it, please let us know!
Petrolicious makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information contained in the car’s original listing, nor will it be held responsible for any errors in said information. If you’re interested in any of these cars, do your homework and research extensively before you buy.
