Self-drive classic car hire from private owners
Self-drive is the purest way to experience a classic car: a day or a weekend behind the wheel of something you have always wanted to drive, on roads you choose. BookAclassic lists hundreds of privately owned classics across the UK whose owners offer self-drive hire, from a 1960s Jaguar E-Type or MGB to a 1980s Porsche 911, an American muscle car or a classic Mini. You deal directly with the owner, who knows the car and sets the price.
How self-drive hire works
Each listing states the daily and weekend rate, the mileage allowance, the minimum driver age and licence history the owner requires, and whether insurance is included or arranged separately. Send a request with your dates and the owner confirms availability and terms. On the day you meet the owner, walk round the car together, get a briefing on the controls and the car's character, and set off. Many owners will deliver to your home or a hotel for a fee.
Popular self-drive classics
- British roadsters: MGB, Triumph TR and Spitfire, Austin-Healey, Morgan and Lotus
- Jaguar E-Type roadsters and coupes, Mk2 saloons and XJS
- Porsche 911, 924, 944 and Boxster, and Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters
- American classics: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, Cadillac
- Classic Minis, VW Beetles and campervans, Land Rovers and Alfa Romeos
Gifts, birthdays and days out
A self-drive classic is one of the most popular experience gifts on BookAclassic. Owners often suggest a route, whether that is the Cotswolds, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the North Coast 500 or the lanes of Kent and Sussex, and a full day gives time for a long lunch and a few hundred miles. Weekend and multi-day hires are available from many owners for touring and anniversaries.
Self-drive wedding cars
Couples who want to drive themselves away from the ceremony or reception can hire a classic on a self-drive basis, subject to the owner's driver requirements. The car is delivered to the venue, dressed with ribbons if you wish, and collected afterwards or returned the next day. There is a dedicated page for self-drive wedding car hire listing the cars available for this.
Driver requirements and insurance
Owners typically ask for a minimum age of 25 to 30, a full licence held for several years and a clean or near-clean record, and most classic hires carry an insurance excess. These conditions vary by car and are shown on each listing, so read them before you request a booking and ask the owner if anything is unclear.
Where to find a self-drive classic
Owners are listed across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the greatest choice around London, the Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire, the South West and central Scotland. Search from your postcode to see the cars available on your date.