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One of the most persistent debates in the world of classic cars is 'what was the first "Hot Hatchback?" The answer is often 'the Simca 1204', but here we are considering the first British-built examples of the genre. Some cars are automatically ruled out of contention; neither the Mini-Cooper nor the MG 1100/1300 were available with a factory-fitted tailgate. If our remit also includes rear-wheel-drive cars, the BMC never offered a sporting version of the Austin A40 "Farina" Countryman.

And so here are five pioneering models, each a form of a hatchback, each highly desirable in their own right – and each a highly entertaining machine.

1966  - Sunbeam Imp Sport/Singer Chamois Sport

The Imp's high-performance versions are seldom considered in terms of "hot hatchbacks", but they were indeed a sporting saloon with an opening rear window. The Sunbeam and the more luxurious Chamois debuted in 1966, and they boasted twin Stromberg CD125 carburettors with a new cylinder head. Car magazine thought as compared with the Mini Cooper, the Imp Sport offered a lot extra to 'the sort of man for whom the journey grows longer, the family more demanding and the pulse rate perhaps just a trifle less urgent with the passing year'.

1974  - Vauxhall HC Sportshatch

The Sportshatch combined the bodywork of the HC Estate – which was closer in appearance to a three-door fastback – with the nose of the Firenza Droopsnoot and the Magnum's 2.3-litre engine. It proved a minor sensation at the 1974 London Motor Show, but production would not commence until 1976. Vauxhall made just 195 examples, all destined for the company's PR fleet or as dealer demonstrators; the Sporthatch was never officially advertised or directly sold to the public.

1976  - Ford Fiesta 1100S Mk.I

The Fiesta made its bow in July 1976 with British sales commencing in January 1977. One of the most eye-catching members of the original line-up was the 1100S, which featured an up-rated engine, a rear anti-roll bar, stiffer springs plus seats trimmed in 'Cadiz fabric'. A Motor test found 'The Sporty Side of Fiesta' to be 'a fine little car with a roomy and comfortable interior, very good handling and roadholding and fair performance. But it does not have a particularly comfortable ride'. However, most owners were more concerned with the "Go-Faster Stripes".

1978 -  Chrysler Sunbeam Ti

 'Ti is It' claimed Chrysler UK, and the latest Sunbeam was a very attractive proposition with its Hillman Avenger Tiger power plant, twin Weber carburettors, alloy wheels and fog lamps. Car thought 'It's quite a good attempt to build a sporting saloon, but it offers too little to be serious competition in this company' – i.e. the VW Golf GTi and the Renault 5 Gordini'. But at £3,779 the Ti represented a considerable bargain -  not to mention a precursor to the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus.

1982 -  MG Metro

When Abingdon closed on 24^th October 1980, enthusiasts worldwide feared the Octagon badge had suffered Riley and Wolseley's fate. On 26^th July of the following year, BL stated it was developing a performance model of the Metro, and the MG debuted in June 1982. The launch brochure state 'It’s Nice To Be Back’, with potential buyers promised the buyer ‘performance, engineering, comfort and refinement’ for just £4,799.  Motor Sport regarded the latest Metro as ‘the best fun car from this manufacturer since the Mini-Cooper, and much more civilised’ – high praise indeed.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your classic today.