20 rear-wheel drive classics

Front-wheel or rear-wheel drive? That's been one of the liveliest debates over the course of motor manufacturing history.

Each format brings its own advantages. For example, front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars tend to have slightly simpler engineering than their rear-driven counterparts. This means that fans of the rear-wheel-drive, or RWD format should sometimes prepare for bigger bills – and should definitely protect their investments with some suitable classic car insurance.

On the other hand, RWD cars often provide a level of handling fun and driver engagement that their simpler, front-driven counterparts can't always match. For example, rear-driven cars will deliver superb roadholding when it comes to going around corners, while the power delivery – a sensation that's often likened to a kick in the back – can prove addictive.

Here are just a few of the rear-wheel delights that the motor industry has served up over the decades.

1. Triumph Dolomite
   Enjoying a near eight-year production run from 1972 to 1980, the Dolomite was the last piece of Triumph's small saloon jigsaw, which had begun with the 1300 back in 1965.

That car, and the larger-engine 1500 that joined it in 1970, were both front-wheel drive cars. However, by 1970 the 1300 needed a refresh. It had, essentially, failed to sell in the same numbers as its famous (and, incidentally, rear-wheel-drive) predecessor, the much-loved Herald.

So, along came the Toledo in 1970 – a more basic variant of the 1300 that reverted to Herald's RWD format.

The family was completed with the arrival, two years later, of the Dolomite. In its sporting pretensions and RWD format, this car was perhaps the successor to the Herald's quick Vitesse variant.

The 'Dolly' went on to become a very popular car throughout the 1970s, thanks to its mixture of decent performance and purposeful good looks. These days, there's a thriving Dolomite community, centred around a lively owners' club where Dolly fans can go for advice, expertise and possible discounts on their classic car insurance.

2. BMW 635CSi
   Think 'classic BMW' (and, when it comes to classics from this marque, RWD is a given) and the image that comes to mind is probably the 3 Series' revered, E30 second generation. And yes, the latter should feature high up on the list of anyone seeking a good-looking, fun RWD saloon. Indeed, we devoted a whole article to the marvels of the E30 and how to snag a good one.

However, there's another classic BMW that can be had for similar money. This one has a little more rarity cachet (not to mention a few extra miles per hour along those trusty B roads). The first generation of BMW's grand tourer, produced from 1976 to 1989, the E24 6-Series is a seriously cool looking car with a little more sense of occasion, both inside and out, than its smaller 3 Series cousin.

We're not necessarily suggesting the legendary M635CSi – which is great if you have the money, but likely to be out of many buyers' budgets. No, the standard 635 CSi, with its straight-six kicking out 218bhp, will provide all the rear-wheel fun you'll need.

3. Jaguar XJR (X300)
   If you're looking for tail-happy, rear-wheel-drive excitement, a big, stately Jaguar saloon might not seem the obvious choice. And, with their acres of cream leather and walnut, these cars may seem to be more about luxury than lairiness. However, select an X300 generation of the XJR and you've got yourself a saloon that is every bit as quick as it is opulent.

The supercharged six-cylinder engine produces 325bhp, giving this big old barge a scarcely believable 0-60mph time of just 5.9 seconds. What's more, it looks great in that slightly imperious '80s Jag way, and is packed with executive-level tech to play with as you sit cosseted in those leather seats.

Both big and fast, the XJR is a thirsty car, so you will have outlays. Make sure you get some classic car insurance to protect such an iconic car, too. If your pockets are deep enough, and you want a mix of luxury, road presence and RWD fun, this would make a fine choice.

4. Opel Manta B GT/E

If you wanted red-blooded driving thrills in the early 1980s and your budget didn't stretch to a Porsche 930 or Mercedes SEL, what did you do? Well, your choices were probably either a Ford Capri (which we'll come to) or, perhaps more interestingly, an Opel Manta 'B' in sporty GT/E guise.

From 1982 onwards, the Manta B got a facelift, giving it acres of chunky plastic and body-coloured bumpers, mirror and spoiler. Back at a time when body-coloured everything was the last word in boy-racer cool (see also the Escort XR3i, for example), the Manta's sportiest variant drew many admiring looks in supermarket car parks or hooning around suburban streets. Available in either coupe or notchback form, it's remarkably handsome either way and can match – or even outplay – even the sportiest Capris when it comes to handling and agility.

Just beware of rust: the sunroof on the GT/E had some little drainage holes, which channelled water down into the sills. Result: persistent corrosion from the inside out. Make sure any Manta you're eyeing has been given some sort of rust treatment, and ensure that your classic car insurance is primed to help you through the restoration process.

5. Toyota MR2 Mk1
   Does any car shout '1980s wedge' louder than a Mk1 MR2? Drawing on the boxy, folded-paper designs of the Lotus Esprit, the first MR2 looked very purposeful and more than a little futuristic. Thankfully, it had the performance and handling to match those looks. Not all cars manage to capitalise on their rear-wheel drive systems and deliver superbly engaging handling, but the MR2 ticked that particular box in style.

Oh, and pop-up headlights. Need we say more?

Japanese engineering means that these cars have, by and large, survived the decades well, although they will tend to have been driven hard, so do ask to see documentation of ongoing servicing and repairs.

6. Vauxhall Carlton GSi 3000
   For their big, comfortable Carlton saloon, Vauxhall stuck with rear-wheel drive. Indeed, even the Carlton's smaller Cavalier sibling went RWD for its first generation (1975-1981), before going the way of most small and medium 1980s cars and handing the power to the front wheels.

Across most of its range, the second-generation Carlton of 1986 to 1994 was focused more on ride comfort than handling and performance. There were two exceptions: the famous Lotus Carlton, a blisteringly quick collaboration with Norfolk's lightweight speed merchants that earns a mention in our history of Lotus elsewhere on these pages.

Those are now rare and either hard-driven or very expensive. A more realistic used buy is the GSi 3000 variant of the standard Carlton, which still offers impressive performance in either 12- or 24-valve form.

7. Ford Capri 2.8 Injection
   At a time when many medium-sized cars were going front-wheel drive, the Mk3 Capri showed that its sporty intentions went beyond those svelte looks, by retaining its predecessors' tail-happy, RWD format.

The 2.8 Injection was one of the last engine options available on a Capri, and perhaps one of the very best. Until 1982, flagship Capris of all three generations were given the tried-and-tested Essex 3.0 V6 power plant. That engine was dropped from the Capri range that year, largely because of tighter emissions regulations.

Its replacement was a fuel-injected 2.8-litre engine that actually managed an increase in power and top speed: your 2.8 Injection Capri would now top out at an impressive 130mph. Beyond this, little changed: the Capri remained as gorgeous to look at, and as fun to drive, as ever.

8. Ford Sierra XR4i
   When the Capri finally took its bow and ceased production in 1986, what replaced it? That would be the Ford Probe, although the latter didn't make an entry for a couple of years. In the meantime, drivers after a big, fast Ford were looking at the XR4i, the sportiest iteration of Ford's aerodynamic family saloon.

The Sierra had been on the market since 1982, and – once buyers had got used to those innovative, jelly-mould looks – was to enjoy a very good second half of the decade, sharing the sales charts' top three with its Escort and Fiesta stablemates for the years 1986-89. That was a fascinating time, which we revisit in our piece, Ford v Vauxhall sales wars of the 1970s and 1980s.

The Sierra XR4i got three doors instead of the usual five, plus an eye-catching rear spoiler and a throaty 2.8-litre V6 engine good for 150 bhp.

9. Rover SD1
   The Rover SD1 was one of the great 'might-have-been' cars. On the one hand, there were those arresting good looks, famously modelled on a Ferrari Daytona, and fine driving dynamics. These assets could have made the big Rover the most sought-after exec express of the 1980s, eclipsing the likes of the Ford Granada and Citroen CX. And yet…

Certain reliability problems surfaced early in the car's production run. These were largely sorted as time went on, but the damage was arguably done and the SD1, though a familiar sight on Britain's motorways at the time, didn't quite make the impression it should have done.

Looking back with the benefit of hindsight now, though, we think it makes for a rather clever used buy. It'll certainly be the most distinctive car on your street, and you can even get one with a fruity V8 roar if you seek out a Vitesse variant.

10. Porsche Boxster (986)
    Hankering after a used performance Porsche, but don't quite have the budget for a 911? Then the first generation of that car's smaller cousin, the Boxster, could be the vehicle you need. This neat, compact, mid-engine pocket rocket was a blast to drive, especially with its 2.5-litre, naturally aspirated straight-six engine with 201bhp on tap.

Just a word of caution: Porsches of this vintage have been known to have issues with their intermediate shaft bearing, or IMS. Fixing this can be expensive, so check whether repairs have been done on any example you're eyeing up. If not, there could be problems coming. Make sure your specialist classic car insurance includes breakdown cover.

11. Mazda MX-5
    All four generations of Mazda's lightweight, nimble, RWD roadster have proved hugely popular, and with good reason. Put simply, there are very few other ways to have this much fun on this kind of budget.

Talking of budget, prices for the first three generations – namely the NA, NB and NC MX-5s – are now very affordable. We run through which MX-5 might be best for you in our Mazda MX-5 buying guide.

We might steer you towards the third (NC) generation, simply because it was less rust-prone than its predecessors. Then again, few cars can match the very first generation for simple, joyous open-top motoring.

12. Mazda RX-7
    Another Mazda! Well, why not? The Japanese manufacturers have remained faithful to the rear-wheel drive format for all their sportier ranges. Produced in various handsome generations from 1978 onwards, the RX-7 was a thrilling drive in a slightly different way to its cute, soft-top MX-5 sibling.

The RX-7's distinctive driving dynamics were down to two key features: rear-wheel drive and a rotary engine. The latter has made for some reliability issues, so make sure that your classic car insurance has breakdown cover should you need it.

Don’t let that rotary engine deter from investing in one of the 1980s' most likeable sports cars, however. There are plenty of specialists who'll be able to maintain and if necessary, rebuild your engine, while the thriving RX-7 forum should be able to help with all your repair and restoration questions.

13. Skoda 110R
    Skoda remained faithful to the rear-wheel-drive format on even its smallest cars until well into the 1980s, so there are plenty of models to choose from.

One of our favourite classic Skoda’s – for its rakish looks as much as anything else – is the 110R, the coupe version of the sensible 100 and 110 saloon ranges. There's something about applying a steeply raked fastback rear end to a car as stolid and functional as a 1970s Skoda that deeply appeals to us.

With a top speed of 90mph, the 110R may not have had the performance that its good looks demanded, but to us that's all part of its strange appeal.

14. Fiat 500
    These days, rear-wheel drive is largely the premise of performance and sports cars, while back in the 1970s and 1980s it was also very much a feature of larger vehicles. In this company, the diminutive Fiat 500 made for a fascinating exception.

The 500 was Italy's answer to the Mini and sold in similarly huge numbers. Its two-cylinder engine and dinky dimensions made it perfect for navigating around the country's narrow, winding streets, while its cute looks and affordability won it legions of admirers in its native land and beyond.

Producing just 18bhp from its 499cc engine, the original 500 was not going to win you any races, but it was lovely to look at, cheap to run – and a whole lot of rear-wheeled fun.

15. Hillman Imp
    Another car aiming at the same market sector as the universal Mini was, of course, the Rootes Group's Hillman Imp. Its choice of rear-wheel drive and engine at the back may have seemed conservative next to the Mini's front-engine, FWD layout. However, and as we discussed in our tribute to the car, in other ways the Imp was quite the innovator.

A folding rear bench seat and gauges for temperature and oil pressure were all quite avant-garde for the early 1960s: the synchromesh gearbox, which allowed the gears to keep revolving even while being changed, also made for a great driving experience.

The Imp also earned itself some serious racing and rallying pedigree, thanks to the exploits of Bill McGovern in the British Saloon Car Championships of 1970 to 1972, and Rosemary Smith in the 1965 Tulip Rally.

16. Ginetta G15

The svelte, rare-as-hen's-teeth Ginetta G15 may seem a world away from the functional and ubiquitous Hillman Imp – but the two are in fact related.

When Essex-based sports car manufacturers Ginetta unleashed their new G15 in 1968, it was initially offered only in kit form, although factory-built cars were later made available.

The G15 borrowed the 875cc and 998cc straight-four engines from the Imp. The difference was that, in a car this lightweight and aerodynamic, those small engines could achieve wonderful things. The G15 duly managed a very creditable top speed of 108mph, all while looking rather wonderful.

17. Suzuki SC 100GX 'Whizzkid'
    Suzuki's late 1970s RWD city car started out in its native Japan as the Cervo. This was one of Japan's famous kei cars – vehicles whose engines and dimensions are small enough to make them exempt from road tax.

Foreign markets, however, weren't really going to go for the Cervo's tiny 540cc, three-cylinder power plant. So, now renamed the SC100GX (and nicknamed the 'Whizzkid'), the small Suzuki made its overseas debut with a much heftier 970cc, four-cylinder engine – still mounted at the back of the car, and with the rear wheels still doing the heavy lifting.

The car acquired quite a cult following, largely through standing out from the crowd of

front-wheel-drive, front-engine hatchbacks crowding the market. Lightweight and generously equipped (cigar lighter and reclining front seats, anyone?), the Whizzkid earned many admirers. These included the great motoring writer LJK Setright, whose life and work we celebrated elsewhere on this blog.

18. Lexus IS XE10
    Lexus, Toyota's luxury car wing, has followed BMW's 3 Series and Mercedes' C-Class in maintaining rear-wheel drive across all generations of its compact executive saloon.

The IS may not be quite as engaging to drive as a 3 Series, but owners are always very happy with them – we remember the first generation, the XE10, regularly topping the annual Driver Power satisfaction survey during its 1998-2005 lifetime and beyond.

Make no mistake, a first-generation IS will make for a reliable used buy. Protect it with some classic car insurance from the experts.

19. Peugeot 504
    By the end of 1976, Peugeot had almost completely acquired Citroen, meaning that the two storied French marques were now under one umbrella: PSA Peugeot Citroen.

Over the coming years, some design philosophies were shared and some joint projects undertaken – so, for example, the Citroen Visa and Peugeot 104 shared the same platform and engines.

At the other end of the family tree, however, the two companies' big saloons could hardly have been more different. Citroen's CX was svelte, coupé-like – and front-wheel-drive.

Peugeot's 504 was a sturdy, RWD saloon with far more conservative looks.

Of the two, the Citroen arguably became the more familiar sight on our roads in the 1970s and 1980s – but the big Peugeot is a very worthy car in its own right. Rather good-looking in its own rugged way, it's also extremely comfortable and has been known to go on for hundreds of thousands of miles without batting an eyelid.

20. Lamborghini Espada
    Let's end on a high, with one of the 20th century's most unmistakable cars. There were arguably more beautiful Lamborghinis (the Miura); there were faster Lamborghinis (the Countach); and there were better selling Lamborghinis (quite a few, actually).

However, for encapsulating a certain louche, prowling, low-slung 1970s cool, we can think of few motors that make our heart race faster than an Espada. Rear-wheel drive and a burbling V12 engine were just two of its many charms.

Insure your vintage vehicle with Lancaster Classic Car Insurance

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