British classic car hire

British style at your wedding

English cars have a distinctive kind of elegance. Think of wooden dashboards, leather seats, calm lines and a tradition that goes back to the days of carriages and chauffeurs in uniform. For a wedding car, that instantly brings to mind an English church, a country house or a garden party at the end of a long driveway. At the same time, the British motoring world is more varied than you might think: besides stately saloons, the English also built cheerful small cars, sports cars and one of the most famous taxis in the world.

English wedding cars: from limousine to Mini

The British car industry produced cars for every taste. For a wedding, they fall roughly into three groups: stately luxury, the famous taxi, and small or sporty classics.

Rolls-Royce and Bentley

A Rolls-Royce wedding car is the perfect example of English luxury. Models such as the Silver Cloud from the 1950s and 1960s and the later Silver Shadow have a spacious back seat, a smooth, quiet ride and the famous figurine on the grille. A Bentley MK VI from the 1940s and 1950s is every bit as classic, with rounded wings and a long bonnet. Both suit a formal wedding in a church, a castle or on an estate.

The London taxi

The Austin FX4 is the classic black taxi from London. With its high roof and roomy rear compartment, it is surprisingly practical for a bride in a full dress, and it gives the day a playful, British wink.

Small classics and sports cars

The classic Mini Cooper is small, cheerful and recognisable to everyone, ideal for a relaxed wedding or a photo shoot in town. If you would like something sportier, there is an Aston Martin Vantage: a modern British sports car for two.

An English wedding car is also a rewarding subject for the photographer. Details such as the emblem on the grille, the wooden dashboard trim and the leather seats make for lovely close-ups, and the calm lines of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley look wonderful in front of an old building or among tall trees. Plan a stop along the route at a spot with some space, so that the whole car fits in the picture.

What to look out for with an English wedding car

Many English classics are right-hand drive. For you as passengers that makes little difference, but it does determine which side you get out on. Agree with the rental company where the car will stop, so that the bride can step out on the kerb side and look beautiful in the photos.

• Space: a Rolls-Royce or the taxi offers plenty of room for the dress; a Mini or a sports car is a tight squeeze.
• Maintenance: English classics run well when they are properly looked after. Ask about maintenance and what happens in the event of a breakdown.
• Pace: stately classic cars prefer to travel at a relaxed speed. Plan a route without long stretches of motorway and allow some extra time.
• Decoration: a classic ribbon across the bonnet often suits these cars. Discuss with the owner how to do this without causing damage.

An English wedding car suits a wedding with a classic or formal character, but also a theme with afternoon tea, checks and tweed. Compare the cars above and request a free quote.