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For many motor enthusiasts, car enthusiasts and avid vehicle collectors, a classic is usually only enjoyed in the summer.
During months when temperatures plummet, rain falls heavily, and roads are salty, icy, those with cars of a certain age choose to put their assets away for the winter to keep them safe.
The colder months are often used for projects or renovations in time for the sun’s reappearance in the future.
But this doesn’t have to be the case, according to classic car experts.
John Mayhead, editor of the Hagerty Price Guide, says there are many motors of all budgets that can brave the worst of the British weather.
“Vintage motoring doesn’t have to be a summer activity, as these practical and stylish historic cars prove,” explains John.
Here are your top ten picks and how much a good example would cost on the market right now.
1. Land Rover Defender (1983-2015)
Hagerty value: £33,100 (2.4 TDCi 110)
The Land Rover Defender 110 is an obvious choice, given its ability to be a reliable workhorse.
We’ll eliminate the obvious.
Impressive in any conditions, and the latest Wolf engines offer power, reliability and more than the basic interior ‘amenities’ offered by some previous Land Rovers.
2.Fiat Panda 4×4 (1986-1992)
Hagerty value: £6,400
The most affordable model on the list is the first-generation Fiat Panda 4X4, a small car that can tackle any terrain.
Launched in 1983, the 4×4 version of the Fiat Panda offers an ultra-low first gear ratio and a reinforced body.
Go anywhere in the Italian Alps and you will still find many of these in use as they are very capable in extreme conditions.
3. Jensen FF (1966-1971)
Hagerty value: £63,400
Want winter driving credentials? The Jensen FF was road tested on an alpine ski slope in the late 1960s.
Introduced at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in 1965, the Jensen FF was a groundbreaking car, the first non-off-road production vehicle to have four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes.
It was named after the ‘Ferguson Formula’ four-wheel drive system and was tested on a famous alpine ski slope in 1968.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX Mk2 (2000-2007)
Hagerty value: £9,200
Bugeye and Blobeye’s second-generation Subaru Impreza WRX may not have the prestige of the mk1, but it’s a great affordable option
They may not be the prettiest Imprezas out there, but the second-generation ‘Bugeye’ and ‘Blobeye’ cars currently offer all-wheel drive, ABS brakes and generous amounts of power for not much money.
Even the performance-oriented WRX STi is reasonably priced compared to its facelifted later siblings.
5. Porsche 911 2.7RS Safari (1973)
Hagerty value: £1.88 million
Converted from the iconic 2.7 Lightweight, rally-ready Safari, this is a classic Porsche with plenty of off-road capability and an impressive price tag.
One of two cars built by the factory for the East African Safari Rally in 1973 was put up for sale last year at auction by Broad Arrow, with a lower guide price of $2.5 million (1.88 million pounds sterling).
For that, you get a car that can pretty much go anywhere. Everything is reinforced, there are skid plates, ram bars, fat tires and even a roof rack.
6. Jeep Willy/Ford MB (1941,1945)
Hagerty value: £16,900
A legend of the Second World War, there is no weather a British winter can throw at a Willys Jeep that will deter it.
The values of this World War II icon have flattened in recent years, making it more affordable as a practical and very special classic.
They may not be the most comfortable ride but, like the Land Rover, there aren’t many places they can’t go.
7. Audi ‘Ur’ Quattro (1980-1991)
Hagerty value: £43,800 (RR Quattro)
The rally car that changed everything: The Quattro is a racing legend that is increasing in price
This car’s racing sibling was a rally legend for a reason: its phenomenal road handling thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, forward-mounted engine (giving it traction in difficult conditions) and suspension setup.
The road versions were fast too: in its final Sport Quattro form, the car was as fast as a Lamborghini Countach in a drag race.
8. Volkswagen Beetle ‘Baja Bug’ (late 60s)
Hagerty value: Around £12,500
Baja Buys are VW Beetles with raised and upgraded suspension, anti-roll bars, fat tires, and trimmed body panels.
The Baja 1000 is one of the most brutal races in the world, over a thousand miles of racing across the Mexican desert and an event synonymous with modified VW Beetles.
Cars converted in the UK tend to opt for raised and upgraded suspensions, roll bar, fat tires and trimmed body panels.
Being air-cooled, they actually work better in cold climates, but they are warmer; many have dispensed with side windows to reduce weight.
9. Range Rover Classic (1970-1996)
Hagerty value: £10,700 (Vogue 4-door)
The original Range Rover was the first proper luxury off-roader. They are likely to become assets that appreciate in value
The goal of the Range Rover was to provide the off-road capability of the Land Rover, but with the home comforts that a well-to-do 1970s executive would appreciate.
It worked, and today both the first two- and four-door Range Rovers have become collectible.
Later LSE and EFI examples demand a premium, but be sure to check the chassis as rust is legendary.
10. AM General Humvee Mk1 (1992-2004)
Hagerty value: £22,500
A car that’s good enough for Arnold Schwarzenegger, the H1 Hummer is a rare find in the UK
If you have a huge driveway that can handle the four-ton weight of this monster, then a Hummer may be for you.
Designed for the US military, it has been used in operations around the world and you can even adjust the tire air pressure from inside the cab, which is useful if you are traversing difficult terrain and using the ground 16 inches. authorization.
The prices are not as much as you would expect. A UK-registered version with 51,000 miles on the clock sold online last year for £22,500.
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