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There’s something very serene about driving an automatic car. Why bother with the hassle of changing gears when you can just put your car into ‘Drive’ and enjoy an easy ride?

If you’re a fan of mellow motoring, or you’re only licensed to drive an automatic, there are plenty of classic motors you could consider. So, which classic cars are best for aficionados of automatics? And what should you know about driving one?

We’ve put together a list of top 10 automatic automobiles, though there’s plenty of choice out there – just don’t forget to get yours covered with classic car insurance.

 

Manual vs automatic cars

In the UK and Europe, manual cars have long dominated our roads. They’ve traditionally been more fuel-efficient – an important factor in countries where the cost of petrol and diesel is high.  They tend to have faster acceleration, too.

Most of us are licensed to drive them, and changing gears becomes second nature. In fact, many car lovers feel that gears put you in tune with your car in a way that automatic transmission can never replicate. Changing up and down through the gears puts you in complete control and makes you at one with the car.

Yet classic automatics also have their fans. In America, where fuel has long been cheaper, most cars are automatics, and many drivers simply never learn to use gear sticks and clutch pedals. They also have long, wide roads and freeways too which mean easy, clutch-less cruising is the name of the game.

In stop-start traffic, automatics save you the bother of the clutch, for which your left foot (in a right-hand drive vehicle) will thank you! There’s no stalling or stuttering – instead, they offer a smooth, relaxed ride.

Many people think they’re safer, as you can always keep both hands on the wheel and focus on the road ahead.

Automatics do tend to be more expensive, and repairing the gearbox can be costly, too. However, if you’ve ever had to replace a clutch on a manual car, you’ll know that’s not exactly cheap either.

So essentially, it all comes down to your intended usage, your driving style, and your personal preference. If you’re an older driver, or you have disabilities, an automatic might open the world of classic cars for you. Whichever model you choose, make sure it’s covered with classic car insurance from the specialists at Lancaster.

The top 10 classic automatics

Many great cars have been produced in both manual and automatic transmission versions. Several other models are primarily or solely automatic.

So, which automatic classics would we love to own and drive? We’ve got a long list, but here, in no order, is our top 10.

 

1. Rolls Royce Corniche

There’s nothing quite like gliding along in a Rolls. This is a car that’s designed to be smooth and steady rather than speedy – in fact, it’s easy to forget you’re driving at all.

So, Rolls Royce’s are perfectly suited to automatic transmission. The marque has produced scarcely any manual cars, preferring to let the car do the driving for you. It’s the next best thing to a chauffeur!

We’d be thrilled to get behind the steering wheel of any Rolls, but we’ve picked the Corniche for its sheer style. Produced between 1971 and 1995, these beauties come in convertible versions for those who like to feel the wind in their hair.

Rolls Royce’s are renowned for their luxurious, handcrafted interiors, so this is a car that the passengers will love just as much as the driver. No wonder the Queen owns a few Rolls Royce’s. Make sure you protect your investment with classic car insurance from Lancaster.

 

2. Bentley T1 Series

Another prime example of British elegance is the Bentley T1, a re-badged version of the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow with a rounded front grille.

They were produced between 1965 and 1980, but our top pick would be a first-generation model from 1968-9. This is when Bentley replaced the old four-speed Hydromatic transmission for a three-speed GM400 automatic transmission. The increased torque makes up for the loss of a ratio, and it’s a smoother ride.

What’s so special about this motor? It’s that winning combination of luxury, looks and performance. Sail along in one of these cars and you’re sure to win admiring glances from passers-by. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, and protect your vehicle with classic car insurance.

 

3. Ford Thunderbird

There’s got to be a couple of American classics in this list – after all, most cars driven across the pond are automatics, and American car manufacturers have long had an automatic-first approach.

And cars don’t get much more American or classic than the T-bird.

There were 11 generations and 4.4 million of these large luxury cars produced between 1955 and 2005, so there’s plenty of choice. How about a fourth-generation model from the mid-1960s – iconic thanks to its starring role in road trip movies such as Wild at Heart and Thelma and Louise?

Early models have Cruise-O-Matic MX automatic transmission, while later builds were equipped with the new C6 three-speed automatic. Either way, you can cruise along the highways to your heart’s content, perhaps singing along to one of the many songs that these gems inspired, such as the Beach Boys’ Fun, Fun, Fun.

So, jump in a T-bird, put your foot on the gas pedal, and head off on the journey of a lifetime! Make sure you’ve got your classic car insurance before you set off.

 

4. Mercedes S Class W126

So, the British and the Americans can build automatic cars. What about the Germans? Kein Problem!

The Mercedes W126, part of its S Class series, is one unmissable masterpiece of Teutonic engineering. Almost 900,000 were manufactured between 1979 and 1990, making it one of the most popular Mercs you’ll find today.

There are several variations – we prefer the ones with bigger V8 engines, which have four-speed automatic transmission as standard. These gearboxes are incredibly robust and durable, making the W126 a great choice for classic car enthusiasts.

It’s a real beauty of a car – ideal for luxurious cruising. It was the first car to feature airbags, and has anti-lock brakes, making it just about the safest classic you can buy. Still, you need to protect it with classic car insurance, so get a quote from Lancaster.

 

5. Chevrolet Impala

Not all our favourite automatics are luxury models. The Chevy Impala was a popular passenger car in the States from the 1950s to the 1980s, with later revivals, too. In fact, some 17 million Impalas were sold, making it the most popular Chevrolet ever.

Similar in design to the Corvette (yet another great automatic), it sported a series of both manual and automatic transmissions in its long history. In terms of the latter, the Turboglide was phased out in favour of the Powerglide, which in turn gave way to the Turbo-Hydramatic.

The Chevrolet Impala SS, introduced in 1961, is credited with being the first of the American ‘muscle cars’, or high-performance models. Before you try out these powerful engines, make sure you’ve got classic car insurance.

 

6. Porsche 928

Some people say that the 1970s were the decade that style forgot – but they haven’t seen the Porsche 928.

Introduced in 1977, these sleek models were intended to replace the sporty 911. They were designed to combine the power and handling of a sports car with the comfort and space of a more luxurious grand tourer.

These days, they win fans due to their simplicity, ergonomic design, and high spec feel. More than 80% have Mercedes-derived automatic transmission, which has lasted well through the decades.

They’re collectible thanks to their relative rarity. So snap up one of these Porsches, choose suitable classic car insurance, and enjoy a smooth ride.

 

7. Range Rover Classic

Families who squeezed their small children into the tiny back seats of a Porsche 928 in the 1970s would need something rather roomier for their teenagers in the 1980s. One option was the Range Rover.

These 4x4 sports utility vehicles were launched in 1969, but it wasn’t until 1981 that a four-door model was introduced, making them attractive to families who love the outdoors.

They’re more luxurious than the earlier Land Rover, and a perfect crossover between an off-road vehicle and something for the weekly shopping. And if you’re heading off on holiday, you’ll be able to pack plenty of luggage into a roomy Range Rover Classic.

Nowadays, Range Rovers are rightly considered among the best British classics ever made. And yes, automatic models are available, and are great to drive. Lancaster insures many classic 4x4s – get a quick quote for yours today.

 

8. BMW 635 csi

BMW is a serious manufacturer, and it takes automatic transmission seriously, too. In fact, its motors are perfectly suited to the smooth drive you get when you don’t have gear changes to worry about.

Produced in the late 1980s, the BMW 635 csi is a car built for sailing along the German Autobahnen towards the Bavarian Alps, and it’s available with automatic transmission. It combines style, performance, drivability, and practicality in one very attractive package.

Driving one of these beauties suggests you’ve made it in life, so why would you worry about snobbery towards automatic cars? You’ve got places to be and people to meet. You still need to get classic car insurance though.

 

9. Jaguar XJR

We’ve gone for another British-made car for the most recent model on this list: The Jaguar XJR X306. Launched in 1994, it’s the marque’s first supercharged car.

These fast saloon vehicles are powerful motors: they feature six-cylinder engines capable of 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, with top speeds of 155 mph.

While manual transmission was fitted as standard, most buyers opted for the four-speed GM 480LE automatic alternative. So, these are the more common models you’ll find today, and they really are fine cars.

Owners love these Jags. Not only are they speedy and stylish, but they’re also considered reliable and good value, too.

As they’re less than 30 years old, are they really classics? From an insurance point of view, they might well be – it’s less about how old they are, and more about how you keep them. Owners are likely to maintain these magnificent machines well, keep them under cover, and only drive them from time to time, all of which brings the cost of premiums right down, even for powerful vehicles such as this.

 

10. Ford Escort

It’s hardly surprising that the top luxury marques such as Porsche and Rolls Royce have turned out beautiful automatics. But if your budget is somewhat more limited, what model might be in reach?

There’s a Ford Escort for pretty much everyone, and that includes fans of automatic transmission. Their charm lies at least partly in their nostalgia value, as over four million models were manufactured between the late 1960s and the new millennium.

Many owners pick the model that they remember from their own youth – perhaps even the one in which they learned to drive. In engineering terms, Mk II models from the 1970s probably have the biggest fan club, and you can buy them with three-speed automatic transmission.

So, what’s stopping you? It’s time to get out of ‘Park’ and into ‘Drive’ with an automatic classic. Have a great, smooth journey!

 

Get a quote from Lancaster today

At Lancaster, we love all classic cars, automatic or manual. We’ve got over 35 years of experience arranging insurance for your cherished motor to suit all requirements and budgets.

Our expertise and knowledge of the world of classic motors means we can quote for just about every car available – even rare imported automatics.

Benefits include 90 days’ EU cover, limited mileage discounts, and discounts of up to 25% for members of car clubs.

If you’re working on a restoration project, we can arrange laid-up cover. Static show and historic rally cover are also available.

With a 24-hour claims helpline and a UK-based call centre, we make managing your policy almost as smooth as driving your classic automatic.

Contact us today for a quote.