Union Jacks: 20 All-Time British Performance Machines

15. Jaguar XK120

After the War, the British car industry was in ruins and in desperate need of a good export product. Jaguar as a luxury car company was particularly affected and needed to sell in America. But what better way to do it than to make a fantastic sports car that would draw the attention of their U.S. customers?

They named it the XK 120, and it was one of Jaguar’s quintessential sports cars as well as one of the fastest models of the decade. They introduced it in 1948 with powerful straight-six engines, a sleek streamlined body and a top speed of 120 mph; hence, the name. The rest was history since not only did the Jaguar sell well, but it also inspired the production of the E Type.

16. Caterham/Lotus Super 7

Unbelievably, Lotus started as a kit car company operating from a shed. They used components from mass-produced cars and covered them in unique bodies. Lotus had the goal to create special cars that appealed to a wide audience. But everything started with the legendary Lotus 7.

When they first presented it in 1957, the Lotus 7 was a bare-bones sports car with a small four-cylinder engine in the front, two seats and nothing more. In fact, it was the purest form of driving legally possible. Over the years, technology advanced and cars got faster and more powerful. However, the basic idea still stayed the same.

17. Lotus Espirit

As one of James Bond’s favorite cars, the Lotus Esprit has a special spot in most driving enthusiast’s hearts. They presented it in the early ’70s and sold it until the mid-90s. But although the Lotus Esprit was always a competent sports car, it had a smaller engine with less weight compared to the rest of the field.

With Giugiaro styling, a wedge shape, and compact dimensions, the Esprit was a fast and nimble car. And although the critics attacked it for build quality and a tiny interior, the buyers loved it for its handling and performance.

18. AC Ace

You have probably heard about the Shelby Cobra 289, but have you ever heard about the AC Ace? Well, if it wasn’t for this cool-looking British roadster, the Shelby Cobra would have never existed in the first place. They presented the AC Ace in 1953 and produced it right up until 1962.

The AC Ace was a modern power roadster with a sleek design and powerful 2.8-liter six-cylinder. But despite the fact MG and Triumph dominated the roadster market in the ’50s, the AC Ace was a better, more powerful car. But most of all, it helped establish the legend of the Shelby Cobra.

19. Jaguar XJ220

When they first released it, the XJ220 was the world’s fastest road-going model with an enormous price tag. Under the hood was new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 unit delivering 542 HP. The design of the car was fantastic, too. Best of all, the flowing lines along with the wide stance visually emphasized its performance and speed.

20. Ford Escort RS Cosworth

From 1992 to 1996, the Ford Escort RS Cosworth was one of the best British muscle cars of the ’90s. Ford built it using Sierra RS Cosworth bits, but this Escort was smaller. And better still, it featured the improved 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 227 HP. The exterior meant pure business with flared wheel arches, a hood with cooling vents and a massive easily adjustable rear wing.

However, one of the main features was the rally proven all-wheel-drive system. In fact, it was necessary since the car developed over 230 lb-ft of torque. So, the Escort RS Cosworth was fast for the day. And with a 5.8 second 0 to 60 mph acceleration time, it could beat most sports cars of the day.

These are the Union Jack sports cars and the 20 most legendary British performance machines of today. Which was your favorite?