The oldest classic cars still on the road

Technology has advanced so drastically that anything that has remained must be something truly special. With that in mind, the guys at Cherished Vehicle Insurance have decided to take a look at some of the oldest classic cars still in use on the road today.

1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom


One of the original icons of the road, there are still Phantoms licensed for use on the roads in the UK. Originally a replacement for the Silver Ghost, the UK version of the Phantom was manufactured with an upgraded 7668cc OHV straight-six. This was much needed to successfully move the huge frame around, successfully proving enough power to achieve a reasonable speed. The Phantom was an enormous success for Rolls-Royce (both in the UK and USA) at the time of its original production, and remains one of the era’s most iconic cars to this day.

1930 MG Midget M-Type


Officially launched at the 1928 London Motor Show, the M-Type is the car deemed responsible for saving the then-faltering MG Company. With two-door Roadster Coupe body, four-cylinder bevel-gear driven overhead camshaft engine, single SU carburetor giving 20bhp at 4000rpm the M-Type Midget was the first in a long line of MGs to make the sports car so hugely popular. The 1930 car introduced improved braking systems, engine output, front-hinged door and could reach 65mph. It was arguably the most successful model of the car’s three-year output.

1932 Buick Series 90


Perhaps best known in Britain for its association with the Royal Family during the 1930s, the Buick remains one of the elder statesmen of the classic car world. Both Edward VIII and George VI had custom models imported, as well as using them whenever they visited either Canada or the USA. Powered by their famous ohv straight-eight engines, the Series 90 had a wheelbase of 134-inches, made 113bhp and its three-speed gearbox featured the improved ‘Silent Second’ synchromesh. Possibly best known for its iconic appearance; twin chrome horns on the front fender catwalks, the pioneering use of dual taillights, wire wheels and side mount spare tyres all help make the 1932 Buick instantly recognizable.

1932 Ford Model B


Before becoming one of the most popular choices of hot rodders, the Ford Model B was one of the most ubiquitous, reliable and recognizable cars of the 1930s. It continued to use Ford’s reliable and proven four-cylinder engine of 201cu in displacement producing 50hp. Eventually discontinued in the States due to the increasing popularity of the V8, it’s production continued longer in Europe, where in many countries the tax system favoured smaller-displacement engines. Despite living slightly in the shadow of the V8, the Model B continues to be hugely popular among classic car collectors.


  1. I’m not sure i understand what you mean Keith in your opening words……
    The telephone, refrigeration, electricity supply, powdered flight, gun powder….the wheel! all pre-date WWII and are still widely used much as they were designed..
    Unless you mean automotive design….the turbocharger, fuel injection, the McPherson strut, overhead camshaft, syncromesh gears, air conditioning….all pre-date WWII as well as are still widely used.

  2. Absolute drivel as usual about MG. The “then faltering MG Car co” …. it did not really exist as a separate entity until the M appeared although a few 18/80s had been produced ( I think but am not sure ) . Really at that stage it was Cecil Kimber’s ( as Manager of Morris Garages ) side project, which then was either tolerated or adopted , according to your viewpoint , by William Morris. And what a success it turned out to be !

  3. Oh, and by the way, the Phantom 1 was not OHV, but overhead inlet and side exhaust, as every RR was to be until the advent of the S2 in 1959

  4. “there are still Phantoms licensed for use on the roads in the UK”

    Well, of course there are – every vehicle regardless of age has to be licensed if used on the road, so there must be thousands of pre-war cars licensed.

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