Silverstone Organisers Ask: What is the Best British Sports Car of All Time?

The fifteen finalists in the Silverstone Classic’s, “Best British Sports Car of All Time” vote-in have been announced, and boy is there some choice picks. Before we get to that though, can I just point out a misnomer in using the, “of All Time” qualifier?

This assumes (prophetically?) that Britain will not be making any more sports cars in the future, whereas, “Best British Sports Car So Far” would be a far more accurate description. But enough with semantics: who are our lucky finalists? Read on….

In the order that I would rate them (with 1 being the highest and 15 the lowest):

1. Jaguar XK 120
2. Lotus Elan
3. MG MGB
4. Jaguar E-Type
5. Aston Martin DB5
6. Lotus 7
7. Austin-Healey 3000
8. Triumph Spitfire
9. AC Cobra
10. MG MGA
11. Morgan
12. Austin-Healey “Frog Eye” Sprite
13. Triumph TR3
14. Triumph TR6
15. TVR Griffith

Event director Nick Wigley describes the competition thusly:

"Britain is famous for its sports cars but no one ever agrees which one is the best. That's a long-running debate we now want to put to rest and where better to settle the result than at the Silverstone Classic, where so many fine examples of these much-loved models will be on show?"

The three day event will feature some 7,000 classic automobiles from over 120 clubs across the United Kingdom. You can vote for your favourite online with the winner to be announced on the 7th of July. Feel free to state your favourite (or pick apart my listing) in the comments section below.

By Tristan Hankins

Link: Silverstone Classics Vote

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All-New Morgan 3 Wheeler: First Real Life Photos, gets 115HP V2 Engine

Being the most traditional of British brands, it comes to no surprise that Morgan is looking into its past to find a way into the future. Revealed here for the first time in real life is Morgan's all-new 3 Wheeler, which comes some 58 years after the demise of the original model that was produced from 1909 up until 1953.

The new Morgan is fitted with a V Twin fuel injected motorcycle engine from specialist engine builder S & S. It produces 115-horses and is mated to a Mazda-sourced 5 speed transmission with a reverse gear. Morgan had previously stated that the 3 Wheeler would be fitted with a 100HP V-Twin Harley Davidson motor, but apparently the company's plans changed in the meantime.

The British automaker said that the bullet shaped three wheeler was designed to emulate the styling of an airplane -hence the WW2 military aircraft like graphics on the presentation model. Morgan said that buyers can choose from a variety of graphics including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.

A polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl, headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for those looking for a more classic look.

The airplane theme is continued inside with the leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft like instrumentation. The company offers several options including bespoke leather upholstery.

The new Morgan 3 Wheeler will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with sales to follow shortly after. Base pricing is set at £25,000 before tax (US$40,600 or €29,600 at today's exchange rates), with Morgan stating that the car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions.

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