The best classic cars under £15k for a summer road trip

It’s that time of year again, gents. The time when the sun-starved people of the UK don their shorts and forget their shirts in a bid to make the most of the sunny weather. But, for the petrol heads among us, it means one thing: road trip time. Forget the Ferrari, it’s overrated – well, not really, but let’s pretend it is for a moment – the real recipe for an unforgettable road trip starts with an affordable motor, two people and a whole host of experiences along the road ahead. Here are the best affordable cars for summer road trip.

MG MGB

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(Photo: BestCarMag.com)

Already a popular British classic, the MG MGB was made between 1962 and 1980 by, that’s right, British Leyland. Far from the most reliable name in British motoring history, these cars suffered as a result, with a number of problems including suspect bodywork.

Lancia Fulvia

lancia fulvia

(Photo: Velocebooks.com)

This stunning Italian classic can still be picked up for less than a new family hatchback. Problems in the UK with rust and reliability mean most of these can be found residing in warmer climes, so perhaps a flight out and a drive back may be in order.

MK1 Mazda MX5

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(Photo: AutoExpress.co.uk)

Among the list of legendary cars with pop-up headlights sit the Ferrari Daytona, the Lamborghini Countach, the Jaguar XJ220 and, err…the MK1 Mazda MX5. That’s right, gents, it is possible to join the ranks of the 1980s automotive establishment without breaking the bank – sort of. With prices of good condition MK1 (NA) MX5s starting from around £2,000, you could even buy a fleet of these and still walk away with change from £15,000.

Porsche 944

porsche 944

(Photo: VeloceBooks.com)

Right, it might not be the first pick of the Porsche family but it is, by all accounts, a Porsche, sharing the same badge as iconic cars such as the 911, the 959 and, more recent 918 hybrid hypercar. A stretch too far? Nonetheless, prices of this early 80s sportscar are still south of £15,000, so get in quick.

MK1 Audi TT

Audi TT

(Photo: Velcoebooks.com)

Lambasted for decades for its feminine lines, the MK1 Audi TT is fast becoming a modern day classic. With punchy performance and looks to match, £15,000 will get you a very good condition model with few miles on the clock.

Land Rover Range Rover Classic

Range Rover Classic

(Photo:Velcoebooks.com)

As the king of all off-roaders, the original set a precedent for all luxury SUVs to follow. Built between 1970 and 1996, prices of this handsome, boxy beast vary between under £5,000 and over £50,000, so think before you buy. Although we don’t recommend the cheaper option, gents, it is tempting, isn’t it?

Top Tip

As with all classic cars, it’s a case of you get what you pay for, so it’s usually worth spending that little bit extra. After all, sitting by the Italian Rivera with a smoking wreck isn’t the picture perfect road trip you had in mind, is it?

(Main and featured images: Reinis Babrovskis)

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