While cars seem to be getting heavier and heavier, it’s great to see some manufacturers continue to make lightweight cars. Here, Windrush’s London car storage team chooses eight of the best.
Colin Chapman of Lotus once said “simplify and add lightness” and he was very good at that, with every Lotus (of his era) barely moving the scales, which meant they handled brilliantly and went fast, despite relatively small engines. Today cars are getting heavier, largely due to safety regulations and demands of the buyer. More and more equipment is added with every new model generation, and that’s before we consider the batteries added to the latest EV and hybrid models. But let’s celebrate the fact that some great, lightweight cars still exist – and in this blog, the Windrush classic car storage team chooses some of our favourites.
Caterham Seven
Yes it is based on a Lotus, but now the Caterham shares only its looks with the classic Seven. All are super featherweights, the lightest weighs in at an astonishing 440kg, the rest between 5-600 kg. Performance aplenty, great handling and racing car dynamics, whatever Caterham you choose will be a delight to drive.
KAMM 912c
The Hungarian restomod, based on a Porsche 912 is powered by a 2.0 4-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 190hp, and yet it is as fast as a 996 GT3 on track. How? It weighs just 750kg, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre. More practical than a Caterham it continues the low HP, high performance formula that it only possible in a lightweight car.
BAC Mono
The ultra-exclusive Mono remains the only road car produced with just one seat. Wholly designed for pure driving focus, if you want luxuries such as a roof you best look elsewhere. The latest version weighs well under 600kg and provides the closest thing to a formula racing car on the road, with immense grip, central driving position and outrageous looks.
Alpine A110
The ultra-exclusive Mono remains the only road car produced with just one seat. Wholly designed for pure driving focus, if you want luxuries such as a roof you best look elsewhere. The latest version weighs well under 600kg and provides the closest thing to a formula racing car on the road, with immense grip, central driving position and outrageous looks.
Mazda MX-5
The latest version of the two-seater roadster weighs a little over 1000kg, making it a very credible addition to this list. The Mazda offers incredible reliability and usability along with a great drive. It may not be the fastest, but when it corners as well as it does, you can avoid motorways and have fun.
Toyota GT86
Another very usable sports car, the Toyota is a genuine daily driver that weighs just 1257kg. As with the MX-5, the GT86 won’t be winning any drag races, but with crisp RWD handling, a quick gearbox and great balance this is a car for the corners over the straights. The Japanese brands certainly know how to make great lightweights.
Morgan 3 Wheeler
No roof, no creature comforts, one wheel at the back and an engine perched at the front, open to the elements. The Morgan isn’t for shrinking violets. What you do get is a barrel load of fun, great British engineering, and a weight of just 1157kg. It is hard to think of a way to have more smiles per £.
Pembleton T24
Saving the lightest until last, the new T24 weighs an astonishing 361kg. Inspired by 1920s design, the Pembleton is powered by a modern V-twin motor and offers a level of comfort and driveability more forgiving than many cars from the twenties. A delightful way to get about, the T24 may well be the lightest ‘new’ car we will ever see.
Choose Windrush for classic car storage in London and Cotswolds
Heavy-hitter or featherweight, Windrush welcomes every marque, model and vintage to our classic car storage in London and the Cotswolds – and our personal service is always individual-led. After welcoming you with our unmatched twelve-step induction process, we’ll draw up a tailored maintenance programme that means long term car storage clients find their vehicle in an even better state than they left it.
Find out more about Windrush classic car storage from our friendly team. We’re here to help on info@windrushcarstorage.co.uk
