Best classic company cars

It’s funny how the passage of time changes our view of certain vehicles. Executive models might have seemed worthy but dull back in their day – but a few decades on, many have attained classic status.

If you want a spacious and reliable classic – or are nostalgic for your early career as a sales rep back in the 1980s – then a former fleet vehicle or executive car could be just the ticket.

We’ve searched through our Filofax for our top 10 classic company cars and listed them below. Whichever model you choose, remember to make sure it’s covered with classic car insurance cover.

Company cars: the pros

So what’s special – and not so special – about company cars when you’re considering one as a classic purchase.

First of all, they’re designed to impress without being overly flashy. Think of a sales rep arriving at a corporate appointment: first impressions count, so the car is doing the talking before the rep has even shaken hands with the potential client.

Secondly, they’re meant to be reliable. Company executives want to be sealing deals, not changing wheels! You can’t turn up late to a business meeting with oil on your tie after an unscheduled stop on the hard shoulder.

The ride should be smooth too, allowing the driver to arrive at his or her meeting without a Brylcreemed or gelled hair out of place.

They tend to be quite spacious, so are often suitable for doubling up as an everyday family car or transporting your gear to a historic vehicle rally. Historic car insurance arranged by Lancaster can include cover for rallies, and we offer discounts for club members, too.

Then there’s the fact that former fleet vehicles could well have a flawless service history. So much easier to stick to a schedule when you’ve got a PA to make the garage bookings and remind you to attend!

And for many of us, there’s huge nostalgia value. Perhaps there was one parked on your driveway of your childhood home, or you remember the thrill when you were given the keys to your own first company car? Time to press play on that Dire Straits cassette and start reliving those good old days!

Classic company cars: the cons

Of course, there are some drawbacks too.

Your average executive car is not going to set the pulses racing. So if you want quirky looks, a rich history, an exciting driving experience, or low miles, then you might be advised to look elsewhere. That said, our list below includes some stunners!

And then there’s the fact that drivers are often somewhat careless in their treatment of company cars. There’s no incentive to maintain their vehicles, as they know they’ll be upgraded within a couple of years.

All that said, there are some real underrated gems to be found in the former company car market. So which ones make the cut for us?

1. Rover 2000/ P6

The Rover 2000, later called the P6, was one of two cars that revolutionised the executive car market (the other being the Triumph, see below).

Prior to its launch in 1963, executive cars were big-engined, gas-guzzling motors, and were therefore reserved for those at the top of the corporate tree. But the Rover P6 was smaller and cheaper to run, making it suitable for those lower down the hierarchy.

Young, ambitious executives – the early baby boomers – loved the P6. It looked great, was technologically advanced, and was enjoyable to drive along Britain’s new motorways. It sold well, despite demand outstripping supply thanks to industrial disputes at Rover’s factories.

The Rover P6 won the very first European Car of the Year Award. And its reputation has endured: today, it’s considered a classic that can even be used for everyday motoring. Incredible for a car launched in the same year as the Beatles’ first album!

2. Triumph 2000

Launched almost simultaneously with the Rover P6, and targeting the same market, was the Triumph 2000. This Coventry-made vehicle had six cylinders to its rival’s four, and was slightly longer and wider, too.

Styled by sports car designer Michelotti, the Triumph looked modern, drove beautifully, and offered a smooth ride thanks to its all-round independent suspension. It came in estate and saloon versions.

As with the Rover P6, its interior was luxurious for the time, with polished wood, thick carpeting, and comfortable upholstery – perfectly suited to the ambitious businessman or woman!

Both the 2000 and the updated 2500 still look elegant today, so are a great choice for a connoisseur who appreciates Italian flair and British manufacturing. Remember to get yours covered with suitable classic vehicle insurance.

3. Ford Cortina

While the 1960s saw the early shoots of the company car market, it was the 1970s where the sector really grew. And the market leader for that decade was, undoubtedly, the Cortina.

Back then, just about every car in the UK seemed to be a Cortina: launched in the late 1960s, it was the best-selling motor for nine out of 10 years between 1972 and 1981.

The Cortina was designed with the burgeoning fleet market in mind. Ford carried out extensive research into what companies wanted from their cars, and later models were targeted at the sector.

So, what made the Cortina a great company car? It was cheap yet reliable: when time is money, you don’t want your staff to be grounded while their vehicles are in the garage.

It had a large boot, making it suitable not just for families, but also for sales reps transporting samples around their patch.

And there was a trim for everyone, from juniors to managers to CEOs. So as you advanced up the career ladder, you might be rewarded with an upgrade for each promotion: the Mark III came in Base, L (Luxury), XL (Extra Luxury), GT (Grand Touring) and GXL (Grand Extra Luxury) trims.

The Mark IV was the first to get the top-range Ghia trim, complete with a vinyl roof, tinted glass and crushed velour upholstery. If your company gave you one of these, you knew you’d arrived! They’re rare these days, so make sure yours is protected with classic car cover.

4. Morris Marina

The Cortina dominated the fleet sector in the 1970s, but it wasn’t the only car being driven by flared-trousered sales execs. The Morris Marina had a generous slice of the market, too.

It might not have been a showy car, but it certainly had its fans among those who valued simple design and easy maintenance – including your average fleet operator. And if you did want to make a statement to prospective clients, you could choose to buy it in a distinctive purple colour called Black Tulip.

Overall, this was an unpretentious, budget option for families and companies, and sold more than 800,000 models between 1971 and 1980. Not bad for a humble little motor!

5. Vauxhall Cavalier

By the 1980s, Ford was replacing the Cortina with the Sierra, and the company car sector was ripe for a new competitor.

Enter the Vauxhall Cavalier. Essentially, it was a restyled Ascona, which had been launched by Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel in West Germany a few months earlier.

The Cavalier quickly transformed Vauxhall’s image and reputation, making the company a major player in the UK in both the family car and fleet markets.

There were three generations in total, manufactured over 20 years, with the final iteration considered the most durable. The Mark II, introduced in 1981, had a 1.8-litre engine, offered class-leading performance and fuel economy, and cleverly benefited from tax breaks on company cars.

Now, decades later, all generations still have their legions of devoted fans.

6. Ford Sierra

The beloved Cortina was a tough act for Ford to follow. And when the Sierra, aka the “Salesman’s Spaceship”, was launched in 1982, its aerodynamic styling shocked many fleet buyers, who switched to the Cavalier instead.

While its looks were described as a “jellymould”, it was otherwise quite a conventional car. In fact, under the skin, the Sierra was pretty like the Cortina.

A facelift in 1987 gave the Sierra a rather less space-age look. In some ways, that’s a shame: many classic car lovers enjoy driving eye-catching, quirky cars.

However, at the time, the revamp boosted sales, helping the Sierra overtake the Cavalier. No doubt any sales reps in the driving seats of Sierras could appreciate that fact!

7. Austin Montego

By the mid-1980s, competition was really hotting up in the company car sector. And there was a new kid on the block: the Montego, from British Leyland.

Introduced in 1984, it tried to muscle in on the fleet sector, but suffered from BL’s reputation for unreliability. Still, it had some popularity: just under half a million were sold, mainly in the UK, before it was phased out in the 1990s.

It featured some innovative tech, including ‘talking dashboards’ in high-end models to tell you about any faults or issues. However, these were fault-prone themselves and were soon discontinued.

These days, the Montego is something of a cult classic, particularly among fans of British Leyland. Perhaps you’re keen to celebrate the days of the British-owned motoring industry? If so, a Montego could be a great choice – but sadly, most have been scrapped. If you get your hands on one, do contact the specialists at Lancaster for classic auto insurance.

8. Renault 21

Like British Leyland, Renault across the Channel in France also underwent upheaval in the 1980s, including a major restructure and the murder of its chairman! Nonetheless, it continued to produce great cars, including this fleet favourite.

The Renault 21, launched in 1986, looked like a downsized version of the popular executive saloon, the Renault 25. Its stylish looks and great ride quality helped it shift more than two million units, including many in the UK.

So, if you were a British business person who wanted to exude an image of French flair, then the Renault 25 might well have been the car for you back in the late 1980s. However, there aren’t many examples left, and their appeal these days is somewhat niche in the UK.

9. Volkswagen Golf

Think reliability, and you think Golf. And fleet car buyers have been doing just that for decades now, contributing to global sales figures of over 35 million and helping to make the Golf the world’s third best-selling car of all time.

Hard to believe that this world-conquering motor has been around since 1974, with eight generations and countless configurations so far.

It really took off with the second generation, which launched in the UK in 1984 and boasted technological innovations such as anti-lock braking systems. Just what salesmen needed to impress clients and win contracts.

Even though production continues to this day, early models have already gained classic status. Drive your vintage VW with pride!

10. BMW 5 Series

Last but by no means least, here’s another marvel of German engineering. BMWs have the reputation of being enjoyable to drive – though perhaps at the expense of reliability.

If you’re a business person who spends hours on the road, a smooth, swift ride matters: you want to arrive at appointments sharp-suited and fresh. Plus, BMWs have a certain cachet, oozing success and impressing potential clients.

The BMW 5 Series is recognised as a game changer for the executive car market. Its first, second, third and fourth generations are all considered classics today, and still feel high-end. So perhaps an E34 (third generation) or E39 (fourth generation) could be options for you if you love classic cars but don’t want to scrimp on comfort or performance.

Get a quote from Lancaster today

Whether you’re a former City whizzkid or simply a lover of great motor design, there’s a classic company car for you.

At Lancaster, we’ve got more than 35 years of experience in arranging classic car insurance. We can find you cover for historic rallies and shows, trips to European countries and much more. With our UK-based call centre and flexible payment options, we make it easy for you to get cover for your classic vehicle.

Get a quick quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.