Our favourite classic estate cars
With their combination of space, practicality and saloon-like comfort, the estate car makes an ideal classic for the discerning enthusiast. But while they’ve always been a popular choice for everyone from families and dog walkers to antique dealers and load luggers, the prices of many of the popular 1960s and 1970s models are ever rising.
Whether you call them station wagons, clubmans, avants or tourers, we’ve selected some of our favourite estate cars for you to swoon over.
But if you’re lucky enough to have one of these in the garage then don't forget to make sure it’s well protected with classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance.
Volvo 240 Series (1974-1993)
At the top of the list has to be a Volvo. Selling well over six million estates worldwide, Volvo is the number one builder of estate cars. If you think of an estate car then you’re probably thinking of a Volvo.
These Swedish cars are still a trusty mainstay of the motoring industry. With a well-earned reputation for safety and style their estates have been perennial favourites. And if you’re looking for classic Volvos then there are plenty to choose from. The original Volvo Amazon of 1962, the sleek Volvo 1800 ES of 1971 and the limited-edition 240bhp Volvo 850 T-5R of 1994 are all stand-out options.
However, for us the iconic Volvo 240 series has to take its place as the cream of the Volvo crop. The archetypal Volvo estate with its legendary flat front design and huge interior meant we never wanted to stop buying them! Indeed, the design was so popular that it was still being sold in roughly the same format as late as 1993. They’re becoming increasingly sought after but there are real bargains still to be had.
Triumph 2000 Estate (1965-1977)
The British addition to the estate car hall of fame is the Michelotti-styled Triumph 2000 (more powerful 2500cc variants were later added). Whether it was the Mk1 (1965-1969) or the Mk2 (1969-1977), its sleek styling, reliable six-cylinder engines under the bonnet and taught handling meant it was a favourite of those who appreciate Italian style and British power.
Built by Coventry-based Carbodies but sold through Triumph dealers, despite a large production run, it's now a rare sight on the roads. You can visit the last production car – a 2500S estate – at the brilliant British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
Citroën CX Safari (1975-1991)
Launched in the summer of 1974, it’s easy to see why the svelte CX was voted Car of the Year in 1975. With its distinctive curved windscreen, boot without a tailgate and self-levelling hydropneumatics suspension, mechanically the car was one of the most advanced of its time. And it sold in huge numbers during its 16-year production run.
The vast Safari estate version was also offered alongside the immensely versatile seven-seater Familiale. From a 2.0-litre petrol to a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine the Safari was also a huge success with speedway riders and other motorcycle racers. After all, that capacious design meant it was ideal for fitting bikes in the back.
We’re also quite partial to the excellent handling and easy riding Citroen XM. The French automaker’s flagship estate that arrived in 1991.
Mercedes-Benz W123 Estate (1976-1986)
Offering a winning combination of practicality, great comfort and that all-important three-pointed star the estate version of the Mercedes-Benz W123 can arguably lay claim to the title of finest estate car ever made. Not to mention one of the most popular among taxi drivers the world over!
When reminiscing over vintage estate cars, if your parents owned a W123 Estate then you were definitely a step above your Volvo or even Ford Granada riding schoolmates. With a classy interior, and those comfy seats, it was a pleasure to ride in a W123 on even the longest family car journey. Indeed, such was their build quality that many models racked up many hundreds of thousands of miles in their lifetime, with only minor work to keep them on the road!
However, before you dash off to search for one, be aware the W123 has been part of a wave of rising values for the last few years. If you want to pull up to your house in a good quality W123 estate it’s going to cost you a hefty wedge of cash.
Launched in 1985, the W124 Estate was a fitting development on its predecessor, particularly in terms of safety and passenger protection. A decent condition W124 can still be had for an absolute snip of the price of a W123.
Audi 100 Avant (C3) (1982-1991)
Another car maker, another term for the word ‘estate’. This time it’s Audi’s ‘Avant’. To be fair Audi was clearly trying to chart its own aesthetic direction and the Avant certainly had something of the hatchback about it rather than the traditional estate look.
The Audi 100 Avant was an accomplished car in every way, with fine and handsome bodywork enclosing ample boot space and room for plenty of passengers. It also had a fully galvanized body (so, no problems with rust) and the Quattro’s four-wheel drive system.
From the entry level 75bhp 1.8-litre to the 165bhp 2.2-litre turbocharged versions there were plenty of power levels for buyers to choose from. The perfect, reliable family transport both to the beach in summer as well as the mountains in winter. The only downside being that the Audi is in quite short supply. If you want one, then you’d better snap one up as soon as you see it!
If you’re looking for something slightly more recent then the Porsche-inspired Audi RS2 Avant (1994-1995) is seriously high performance and has huge amounts of kerb appeal. Its 315bhp five-cylinder 2.2-litre petrol turbo engine is reportedly good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 163 mph! Beautiful, practical and speedy, could there be a more winning combination?
Lancia Beta HPE (1975-1984)
Arguably the most elegant of Lancia’s original Beta models, unfortunately relatively few of the Beta HPE (High Performance Estate) cars have survived. With a range of four-cylinder petrol engines on offer, the Betas were at first well received by motoring journalists and car buyers alike for their performance and handling.
Unfortunately, its popularity was part of its downfall as it became beset with quality control problems that heavily damaged the Italian manufacturer’s reputation for years to come. Owing to sub-standard Soviet steel used in the Beta’s construction they became incredibly rust-prone. While later models were much better built, the PR disaster was such that the Beta was eventually removed from the market. Despite, or perhaps because of, its colourful history we still love it. They’re quirky, fun to drive and remain one of the best-looking sports estates ever. You can still pick one up in good condition and at a relatively low price.
Reliant Scimitar GTE (1968-1990)
If you ask many people to name a Reliant car, they would no doubt plump for one of its distinctive three-wheelers, the Robin or the Rialto. But that would do a disservice to the strikingly beautiful Scimitar GTE sporting estate. There were several generations of the Scimitar manufactured almost continuously from 1968 to 1990.
The SE5A of 1972 is probably the most popular and most readily available today. With a 3.0-litre Ford V6 engine, an updated interior and tweaked styling, Reliant sold over 5,000 of these. While prices for Scimitars, particularly for those in need of restoration, can appear rock bottom be aware that the cost of parts can easily outweigh their restored values.
But at least with classic car insurance so available the ability to own one of these is now within the reach of many.
Ford Granada Estate Mk I (1972-1977) Mk II (1977-1985)
Launched in 1972 the charming Ford Granada Mk I replaced the boxy Zephyr as Ford’s executive car offering. Using the trusty 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre V6 Dagenham-built engines, the Granada proved to be very popular among British motorists. In 1977, the Ford Granada received a major make-over with the arrival of the updated Mk II with its cleaner, more elegant body styling and wider choice of engines.
Morris Minor Traveller (1952-1971)
With a distinctive external ash wood frame for the rear bodywork, two side-hinged rear doors and its 1940s-style looks, the Traveller really is like nothing else on this list. And despite wood rot problems on poorly maintained examples, this quaint half-timbered classic is a perennial favourite among classic buyers. Particularly if you’re looking for a bit of extra space in the back and are handy at woodwork.
While early models were somewhat short of gearing this got better with the arrival of the Minor 1000 in 1956. The addition of a 37bhp 948cc engine really did transform performance. Things moved on again in 1962 with the arrival of the 48bhp 1098cc version. The Minor 1000 sold in large numbers and there are still lots around today. However, prices have been rising for several years driven both by their desirability but also the sometimes-high restoration costs.
BMW 5-Series Touring E34 (1988-1996)
For those looking for a classic executive estate with a high-end badge and enduring good looks, then look no further than the third generation BMW 5-Series, the E34. Launched by BMW in 1988 and produced until 1996 the words ‘handsome beast’ come straight to mind. The perfect marriage of subtle styling, great engineering and build, the E34 was beloved by those looking for space, performance and comfort.
The model came with a large range of engines but if you pick a six-cylinder version you’ll enjoy truly effortless performance. If you have a real need for speed but still at a sensible price then look for the 214bhp 530i – although prices are rising. If money’s no object then look out for a super cool but uber-rare BMW M5 Touring.
BMC 1100/1300 (1962-1974)
Following his success with the Mini, designer Alec Issigonis set out to design a larger and more sophisticated car incorporating more advanced features and innovations. The Mini’s bigger, younger brother, codenamed ADO16, indeed offered extra space and better value and was Britain¹s bestselling motor for most of its twelve-year production run.
The cars were marketed under various make and model names, with Austin and Morris being the most prolific. In line with BMC policy at the time Morris versions were built at Cowley in Oxford while Austin versions were built at Longbridge in Birmingham. However, such was customer demand that even with two plants running, Cowley had to work double shifts to produce enough cars.
The Morris 1100 Traveller and Austin 1100 Countryman three-door estates were launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966 and proved popular with their neat looks, spacious interior and modern front-wheel drive. The 1300 (Super Deluxe) versions arrived in late 1967 and stayed around until 1974, after the controversial Allegro had taken over.
With over 2 million cars produced between 1962 and 1974, and despite its huge popularity, the BMC 1100 and 1300 are remarkably scarce on UK roads today. However, they’re well worth searching out for their classic styling.
Protect your classic estate with classic car insurance
Driving any one of these classic estates will make you the envy of other road users. But before you leave the garage in one of these classics, make sure you’ve classic car insurance to protect it.
Lancaster is the broker of choice for thousands of UK classic car owners, so give us a call and we’ll help you find the right cover, at the right price.
Our team of enthusiastic insurance specialists have been arranging classic car cover for over 35 years now. We’re proud to be at the forefront of efforts to keep as many of these classics as possible on the roads for future generations to enjoy.
Choosing cover from Lancaster entitles you to a range of benefits including:
- Up to 25% classic car club member discounts
- Static show cover
- Historic rally cover
- Choice of repairer
- EU cover up to 90 days
- Laid up cover available
- Limited mileage discounts
Get a quote for classic car insurance today.