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Many classic car lovers dread having to give up their beloved motor when they start a family.

But having kids doesn’t mean your days of stylish motoring are behind you. In fact, there are several models of classic car that will suit your love for all things retro and still fit two child seats in the back.

Here are our top five vehicles for transporting yourself, your partner and your kids which could qualify for our insurance for a classic car.

 

1. Morris Minor

For real retro British chic, the Morris Minor is hard to beat. This really is a design classic, with its quirky and instantly recognisable good looks.

Manufactured at Cowley between 1948 and 1972, the ‘Moggy’ symbolised Britain’s re-emergence from wartime austerity and became the first mass-produced vehicle that was affordable to working class people.

The Morris Minor harks back to an earlier, perhaps gentler age – and certainly one that had fewer cars on the roads.

It lacks the safety features we take for granted these days, such as air bags, though many models have replaced the old drum brakes with disc brakes. 

However, its low power and slow speeds mean it is in some ways safer than more modern cars.

Plus, owners tend to maintain their vehicles with love and care and only drive them occasionally, which is reflected in the fact that classic car insurance is often lower than for regular vehicles.

2. Austin Mini

A little more recent, but no less quintessentially British, an Austin Mini will garner you some admiring looks from passers-by as you drive along.

It’s the car that symbolised the swinging sixties, so if you hanker for the glory days of Carnaby Street, mini-skirts and The Italian Job, this is the design for you.

In fact, it was manufactured between 1959 and 2000, with more than five million vehicles produced in those decades.

In terms of engineering, the Austin Mini was pioneering, too. Its transverse engine and front wheel drive were revolutionary for their time, and make the most of the limited space available.

While not exactly roomy – the clue’s in the name – it can still squeeze in you, your partner and a couple of small kids, particularly if you’re not travelling far.

They only ever came with two doors though (not counting the estate or van models), so any passengers will have to be pretty limber to make it into the back.

Safety-wise, the Austin Mini was ahead of its time, particularly thanks to its excellent handling. But by today’s standards, and with today’s level of traffic, the safety features are somewhat rudimentary.

 

3. Land Rover Discovery

If yours is the type of family that likes adventures off the beaten track as well as trips around town, then the four-wheel drive SUV Land Rover Discovery could be the vehicle for you.

The first series, launched back in 1989, was considered ground-breaking for its versatility, as it’s both an off-road vehicle and a family car.

It’s a concept that’s stood the test of time – the Discovery is still being produced today, and is now in its third generation.

But the first generation, consisting of Series I and Series II models, is considered classic, with models much prized for their durability.

As well as high-spec engineering, the Discovery boasts designer interiors.

Larger families will want to seek out seven-seater models, while everyone can benefit from the roomy interior – perfect for throwing in camping equipment, rain gear and dogs, and setting off for a long weekend’s exploring.

Just take care on those rural roads, and make sure your Discovery is covered with classic car insurance in case of breakdown or mishaps.

4. Ford Escort

For real nostalgia value, have you considered the mighty Ford Escort?

If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, this might well have been your family car: they were once ubiquitous on Britain’s roads. More than four million were produced between 1968 and 2004, in several different versions.  

Ford Escorts were famed for their low prices and reliability back then, making them great news for the hard-pressed family. But you’ll have to have deep pockets to afford a top-spec Escort in today’s classics market.

Of course, as they were produced for well over three decades, there are lots of different types to choose from.

For a real classic cachet, look for the Mark I with its ‘dog bone’ front grille. Mark IIIs have front-wheel drive and hatchback bodies, giving them an altogether more modern feel.

Ford Escorts are famous for being easy to fix, so if you like to tinker with your vehicle at the weekends, then this could be the classic motor for you.

Have you always wanted a Ford Escort? Well head over to our free prize draw where you can enter to win our 1984 Ford Escort XR3i! (terms and conditions apply).

 

5. Volkswagen Golf

You can be forgiven for wondering what’s so classic about a Volkswagen Golf, given that they’re still so popular today.

As of 2013, more than 30 million had been built, making them one of the three best-selling cars of all time worldwide.

But definitions of classic car vary, and can include any make that’s more than 15 years old and considered collectible. And that definition most certainly encompasses the sturdy Golf.

The models that were introduced way back in 1974 look very different from those found on garage forecourts today.

They were launched as a replacement for the iconic Volkswagen Beetle and, while less immediately recognisable, have been no less pioneering in their own way.

If performance is important to you, look for the 16V model but any version of this classic hot hatch, with its incredible handing and steering, will put a smile on the face of any serious petrol head.

Plus, it’s got bags of room for the kids and the shopping, too.

Volkswagens hit the headlines in the late 80s when VW badges briefly became popular as accessories, prompting a spate of thefts.

These days, however, you should have no trouble retaining your VW in pristine condition. Remember to get it covered with classic car insurance to keep you and your family on the road in style.

Get a quote from Lancaster Classic Car Insurance today

When choosing a classic car, there’s plenty to think about in terms of style, safety, space and specs. But one thing that shouldn’t be a worry is insurance.

Lancaster specialises in arranging classic car insurance. We love retro models as much as you do – and we want to keep you driving in confidence and help you cherish these classic motors for the future.

Contact us today to get a quote for your classic car. Happy motoring!