Most Iconic British Comedy Cars - Garage Dreams (2024)

British comedy created not only some of TV’s most memorable characters, but it also produced some of the most iconic cars ever to grace the box. We’ve made a list of our favourite ones, check them out below.

Only Fools and Horses – Del Boy’s Reliant Regal (Reliant Robin)

Whether it was transporting hooky goods or transporting the dirty old granddad, Del Boy’s Reliant Regal (or Reliant Robin as it was more commonly known) is one of the most iconic British comedy cars of all time. The car was with them all the way through and was often described as a crappy, old 3 wheeled van by the cast.

The car features a dirty yellow paint job with black Trotters Independent Trading lettering that claims that the company is also based in Paris and New York. It only has two seats, which means Granddad or Uncle Albert always find themselves squeezed in the back. A real hero of the British comedy world.

Minder – Arthur Daley’s Daimler Sovereign 4.2

Arthur Daley was renowned for his dodgy car dealership and his stock that “fell of the back of a lorry”, but he was also known for his choice of transport. Daley spent time in a whole host of different vehicles but we think it was his Daimler Sovereign 4.2 that he drove in seasons 4 to 6.

This was the third car of this style to be driven by Arthur and it was probably the best remembered as it was used during the shows most popular period. The real registration of the car was VDU342X and DYO979V was simply a prop used when filming.

Dad’s Army – Jones’ Van

Lance-Corporal Jones’ butchery delivery van was an essential part of the Walmington-on-Sea-platoon and was used in many memorable Dad’s Army scenes. The van makes its first appearance in the episode ‘The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones” where Mainwaring tells Jones’ to convert the van to gas.

Jones’ van is a 1935 two-ton Ford BB and was one of the first models produced at Ford’s Dagenham factory. Originally the van was intended to be scraped Frank Holland, an assistant property master for the BBC, discovered the van and restored it. Paul Joel, a designer for the Dad’s Army TV series then obtained it for use in the program.

Minder – Terry’s Ford Capri

Another hit from minder was Terry McCann’s infamous Ford Capri and was arguably the most famous of the Minder cars. The original white 1976 Mark II Ford Capri 2.0S appeared in the opening titles and at various times throughout the series. McCann’s Capri was luckily saved from the scrapheap and sometimes makes an appearance at various motoring events around the UK.

British Sky Satellite viewers rated Terry’s Capri the 28th Greatest TV car every, and the only problem we have with that is we think it should have come higher.

Mr. Bean – Mr. Bean’s Mini

Mr Bean original Mini was an orange car that was only seen in Mr. Bean before being crashed at the end of the episode, but it was his second Mini that was his most famous. The second Mini was a 1976 British Leyland Mini 1000 in a yellowy-green colour with a black bonnet. It was used from “The Return of Mr. Bean” until “Back to School, Mr. Bean”. A number of other Mini’s also featured in Mr. Bean programs and movies, but it was this one and the third one that was the most iconic.

Fawlty Tower’s – Basil’s Austin 1100

If he wasn’t lambasting his guests or putting rats in the biscuit bin, Basil Fawlty was driving his Austin 1100 Countryman. While the car did not appear that often, it became instantly famous went Basil gives it “a damn good thrashing” with a branch during the episodeGourmet Night.

Basil makes a series of blunders during the episode and attempts to collect a duck dish for his guests. It’s on his second attempt when the Austin breaks down, apparently due to his own handwork. After the car fails to start several times, Basil screams “You’ve tried it once to often!.. Well.. this it it! I’m going to give you a damn good thrashing!” Basil then proceeds to attack his Austin with a branch, making for some classic British comedy.

Only Fools and Horses – Del’s Ford Capri

We started our list with a Only Fools and Horses car and it’s a fitting way to end our list. Del Boy’s Ford Capri (aka, the Pratmobile) showed that the wheeler and dealer was moving up in the world, and adding another wheel at that as well. The green Capri firstappeared in the episodeHeAin’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle and was instantly another classic produced by the show. The leopard skin interior was another ghastly delight and the Trotter family became a two car family again.

Summing Up

All these cars made for some classic moments. There are many more legendary British comedy cars, so let us know what you think is best.