Marque: Rolls Royce - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

PAST: First of the ‘modern’ Rollers, the Silver Cloud combined all that you’d expect from Crewe but with up to date styling and dynamics. Electrically-operated damping is standard but power steering wasn’t until ‘56. LWB models in ‘57 while S2 featured new V8 power, four-speed automatic transmission and option of a drophead. S3s of ‘62 have ungainly quad headlamp frontal styling but better power steering.

PRESENT: After too long in the wilderness the Silver Clouds are becoming coveted classics. They drive pretty well for their era and simply ooze of old school class and culture. V8s have more go, yet many experts rate the simpler smooth six as the better choice for many owners keen on DIY.

FUTURE: Values are already outstripping those of the Shadow and it’s a simpler car to restore, repair and maintain but will always be a costly hobby. Parts supply is fair enough and there are Rolls breakers around.

PAST: The Silver Shadow broke with tradition, relying on unitary build with enough modern features that we now take for granted. Launched in late ‘65, it featured better steering and auto ‘box three years later, with air con made standard in ‘69. New 6.7 V8 for ‘70 with re-tuned suspension to accept radials for ‘72. Shadow II boasted reworked chassis, rack and pinion steering. Wraith is LWB offshoot first out in ‘69 with standard vinyl roof.

PRESENT: Shadows have found new favour, liked for their style, comfort and refinement, with so many modern features fitted. Pre-72 cars weren’t particularly nice to drive while the Shadow II is by far the most precise thanks to reworked suspension.

FUTURE: Prices will soar although rarer Bentleys have the edge. Buy on condition as restos are very costly and complex. Not really a DIY delight either.

PAST: Launched in 1946, quite rightly the Silver Wraith was one of the world’s best cars. Beautifully crafted and built the Wraith was based upon Dawn mechanicals but featured an all steel bodywork. Automatic made an option in 1952 with a lusty 4.9-litre engine two years later.

PRESENT: As with the Dawn, the Wraith is pure old school values and virtues. An acquired taste to drive of course and performance just about copes with modern roads, but so what – the Silver Wraith is all about steady, civilised motoring and a real sense of occasion comes guaranteed with each trip.

FUTURE: Again it’s a fashion thing again as values of these rare Rollers doesn’t appear to be soaring and you can pick one up pretty cheaply. Buy on condition as repairs will be extremely costly, especially on rarer bespoke-built cars.

In 1973 A. C. dared to be different among specialist British car makers by introducing a rat h e r adventurous mid-engine model. The 3000ME (sadly not actually produced for sale until 1979) was a particularly striking fixedhead two-seater boasting razor sharp looks. Ford’s proven Essex V6 motor mounted amidships, provided the pow e r. Performance was respectable for the time, if not breathtaking by today’s standards but at least it provided an affordable, reliable entry into A. C. ownership. Ap p r o x i m ately 80 examples only were built, so survivors are rare and yet not as expensive as might be imagined – if you can find one for sale that is…Worth tracking dow n , the 3000ME cleverly combines supercar looks and basic Ford oily bits and still is by far the cheapest route to A. C. ownership. A good idea and an equally good car, it’s a mystery why it flopped so badly.

A . C . cars of the 1950s were capable, stylish sportsters which still look the business today, plus make excellent classics. The Ace of 1953 was powered by A. C.’s own six pot engine, fed by triple S.U. carbs. Elegant fixedhead Aceca of 1954 was the same, but A. C. Bristol of 1956 used two litre Bristol pow e r, giving a top speed of 115mph. Although the ultra-rapid V8 Cobra took the limelight in the 1960s, the Fo r d - p owered Ace 2.6 was also a potent sports, but few were made. If you fancy an ultra rare competent and highly desirable classic British sports car, one of these superb A. C. models is well worth considering - but they are not cheap both to buy or restore.

The original concept behind the Sprite was to provide affordable motoring fun, in a package which was easy to own and enjoyable to live with. Surviving examples still live up to this maxim, with benefits for buyers including asking prices which remain (generally) reasonable, low running costs, excellent reliability, easy-peasy maintenance, plus spares availability which is second to none. Structural rust can be a serious problem on neglected examples, but with complete new bodyshells even available, reshelling can be a cost-effective alternative to bodywork restoration. Don’t expect fireworks, but the ‘A’ Series engines is willing, gutsy and yet frugal. With the hood down, a sunny day, and the open road before you, the original Sprite takes a lot of beating for cheap thrills although. prices usually tower above later A H Sprites and rival MG Midgets due to their rarity.