Great Cars: British Elegance

James Bond made them famous with his bullet proof Aston Martin outfitted with oil slicks, retractable Browning 30 caliber machine guns, laser tire slashers, and more. David Brown had turned his automobiles into racing legends - challenging Ferrari's on the track in the 1950's. Today, Aston Martin has been revived by Ford Motor Company and is once again a world beating yet refined sports car.

A long time ago, Bentleys were racing cars. In 1930, a Bentley won the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race for the fifth time, roaring along at 130 miles an hour and overtaking a Mercedes to claim victory. Now in the hands of BMW, lets see if Bentley can once again evoke the spirit of the cars that won Le Mans five times and then carted the rich for seven decades.

In 1961, Jaguar set out to capture the world market with the legendary XKE or E-Type Jag. The Jaguar E-Type stole car lovers' hearts and is still considered to be one of the most romantic roadsters ever produced. Recently after being rescued by Ford Motor Company, the "Cat" is once again leaping ahead and taking its place as a leader in the automotive jungle.

Explorers seek that which has never been done, whether to climb the tallest mountain or to walk where no one has ever been before. This is Land Rover's territory and for over 50 years these rugged vehicles have helped to peel away the mysteries of our planet. From its beginnings as a friend to British farmers, Land Rovers have been designed to serve.

In 1966, Colin Chapman moved Lotus cars from a factory outside suburban London to an airfield once used by the U.S. 389th Bomber Group. Lotus abandoned the U.S. market. Sports car aficionados in this country can rejoice. Lotus has introduced a new Elise that harks back to the glory days of its past. Its stature as a maker of great sports cars is now secured.

A small sporty car was being produced in England that would help the world rediscover the joys of the sports car after the war. The Morris Garages cars emerged as the first post-War Sports car hit. The early Morris Garages cars were simple machines with little comfort and a few mechanical problems. These cars helped people discover the fun in driving.

One of the most popular British marques of all time, the Mini, first appeared in 1959. It was the "everyman's" car. It was a fun car and it gained fans around the world. It seemed to have a personality. it was bogged down in a larger company that was imploding. Just before it went under BMW came to the rescue. Eventually It became a movie star and a cult favorite. It refused to die.

The Morgan is a design that holds firmly to its ancestry - simple yet sporty. It got its start as the 3 wheeler that was produced from the early 1900's to 1951. The Roadster is still handmade and only 10 cars are built each week at the Morgan factory in Malvern Link, England. There is a 6 year waiting list. It is more than just an "Automobile," it's an art form with its own spirit and soul.

It is an icon, a symbol of excellence, a symbol of empire. It brings to mind the faded glory of the aristocracy and yet, today's aspirants to wealth and position still seek to own a "Rolls." They say Rolls-Royce is more than just a car. To them it simply means, the best. Follow along to see how Rolls-Royce Motorcars grew to represent the best in the world.