Hagerty Insurance lists top 10 British cars to buy now

A poignant buyer's guide, this one, what with it being British Car Week and all. You didn't know? Don't feel too bad; neither did Jaguar E-type owner Dutch Mandel nor your author, proud keeper of a Triumph TR6.

Nevertheless, to celebrate an obscure week promoting what's becoming an obscure breed of car, our good friends at Hagerty Insurance tapped into their collector-car database and came up with a list of 10 British classics that they think are as inexpensive as they're ever going to be.

Got some ideas of your own? Let us know in the Comments section.

Hagerty
The Morgan Plus 8

Hagerty's top 10 British cars to buy right now

1968-2006 Morgan Plus 8: An aluminum V8 in a car similar to an MG TF is a recipe for big fun, and the Moggie delivers. Recently out of production and always in demand, there's nowhere to go but up. $35,000-$65,000

1978-79 TVR 3000S roadster: A bit obscure, but this car really has it all--great looks, a sophisticated tube chassis and plenty of power via a 2.9-liter Ford V6. Low production numbers mean a potentially long search, but this is one vehicle that's bound to appreciate in the long run. $16,000-$20,000

1967-74 Lotus Elan +2: One of if not the only case of the 2+2 coupe being prettier than the roadster, the Elan +2 might well be the prettiest collector car you can buy for less than $25,000. Rare, from a storied marque, quick and very attractive make a good proposition for future appreciation. $15,000-$22,000

Hagerty
The Series I and Series II Lotus Esprit made the list.

1977-80 Lotus Esprit S1-S2: Another Lotus, this one the wedge-icon Esprit by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Good enough for 007 to use in several outings, Esprits are the supercar bargain and are not likely to stay inexpensive forever. $12,000-$15,000

1995-2004 Aston Martin DB7: The DB7 sits on the cusp between used car and collectible--it's finished depreciating, and nearly anything Aston Martin has been hot in the collector-car market of late. Hold time may be a bit longer, but it seems a relative certainty for collectability. Opt for a manual-transmission coupe. $26,000-$60,000

1989-2000 Aston Martin Virage: The DB7's predecessor was a hand-built car in the tradition of the David Brown-era cars. It's big, brawny and fast and stands out as undervalued among Astons and supercars in general. Like the DB7, a manual-transmission coupe is the way to go. $35,000-$70,000

Hagerty
The Triumph TR8 uses a 3.5L Rover V8 descended from the aluminum Buick 215.

Triumph TR8: Sub-$15,000 V8 roadsters are thin on the ground these days. While the wedge styling of the TR8 is a bit polarizing and quality-control issues were legendary, survivors have been sorted out and can be quite entertaining. $9,000-$15,000

Jensen Interceptor: A British interior complete with Connolly leather and a polished walnut dash, Italian styling by Vignale and a Chrysler 440 V8 can only be a Jensen Interceptor. These cars are worth twice in the U.K. what they're bringing now in the United States. This situation won't last indefinitely. Buy one right now. $15,000-$25,000

Alvis TD/TF21: Relatively unknown in the States, the Alvis TS21 has the same upper-crust British look as a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley, but with available ZF five-speed gearboxes and wire wheels, it's much more sporting. The cars generally are priced at about half of what you'd think to look at them. $25,000-$50,000

Jaguar E-type SIII: Some people compare the SIII E-type to the 1970s version of Elizabeth Taylor. Still, the complex V12 SIII has its merits. Anything else with a V12 in front, wire wheels and a manual transmission will set you back more than $600,000. Prices have been on the rise lately. $25,000-$65,000

By Andrew Stoy