With the season in full swing, classic car insurance specialist, Lancaster Insurance, has shone a spotlight on a batch of cars from the late 90s and early 00s which are now defined as classics.

Analysing their internal customer data of cars from this time period,* Lancaster has looked back at some of the most popular models.

Milton Keynes, UK – July 16th 2023: 1999 green LAND ROVER DEFENDER car driving on an English road

Land Rover Defender

65% of total Land Rover policies

The second generation of Land Rover, The Defender, was launched in 1990 with three models (90, 110, and 130) and production continued until 2016. Along with the launch of the Defender name, came turbo diesel power, an improved interior, and coil-spring suspension.

Whittlebury,Northants,UK – August 27th 2022. 2006 1999cc blue Mazda MX5 travelling on an English country road

Mazda MX-5 

78% of total Mazda policies

The MX-5 debuted in 1989, and was an instant hit. The second generation launched in 1999, and in 2000, this classic convertible was named the best-selling two-seater sports car in history.

Stony Stratford,UK – June 2nd 2024: 2003 grey MG TF car driving on a British country road

MG TF

50% of total MG policies

A practical, reliable and economical sports car, the MG TF launched in 2002. This model saw a contemporary, stylistic change to its predecessor, the MGF, along with a brand-new suspension system. MG Rover’s production of the TF ceased in 2005 before MG Motor UK re-introduced the model in 2008.

Woburn, Beds, UK – Aug 19th 2023: 2003 silver Volkswagen Golf hatchback car travelling on an English country road.

Volkswagen Golf MK4/MK5

51% of total Volkswagen policies

The MK4 model of the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf was launched in 1998 and was one of the first Golfs to come with Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive, along with a transformation of the exterior design. Gone were the straight lines seen in its predecessors, and in its place a more curvaceous shape that defines the model. The MK5 rolled off the production lines from 2004.

Stony Stratford,UK – June 2nd 2024:2003 BMW 3 series 320 de car driving on a British country road

BMW 3 Series

39% of total BMW policies

The third generation of BMW 3 Series was produced from 1990-2000 and introduced a wide range of body styles, including the Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, and M3. The fourth generation was in production from 1997-2006, and with 3,266,885 units sold, is the top-selling BMW model of all time.

Milton Keynes,UK – Sept 29th 2024: 2000 blue Rover Mini Cooper car driving on a British road

Rover Mini Cooper

79% of Rover policies

The third generation of the classic Mini launched in 1990. Named the Rover Mini Cooper, it was a revival of the iconic Mini Cooper name after a 19-year hiatus, bringing modern updates to the classic Mini design. BMW took over production of the Mini from 2000, launching with a new hatchback model in 2001.

Stoke Goldington,UK – May 11th 2024: 2000 blue Mercedes Benz SLK 320 car driving on a British road

Mercedes SLK

20% of Mercedes policies

The first SLK, the R170, was produced in 1996. It was Mercedes’ first hard-top convertible, and with a supercharged engine and sleek design, became an instant hit. In 2000, the R170 received a facelift which included new front and rear bumper designs and integrated wing mirrors for the first time. The R170 was produced until 2004, when a new SLK-class vehicle was released, the R171.

Stoke Goldington,Northants,UK – May 14th 2023. 1996 red FORD ESCORT RS2000 driving through an English village

Ford Escort MK6

34% of Ford policies

The sixth generation of the Ford Escort, the MK6, was introduced in 1995, similar in style and performance to its MK5 predecessor. While a sales hit from its inception, the Escort struggled to keep up with the competition and the last Escort was manufactured in 2002. In its place, came the Ford Focus.

“The late 90s and early noughties saw considerable updates in the motoring industry, with models adapting to the new technologies of the time.” Explains Yvonne Gosney at Lancaster Insurance. “It’s been great to drive down memory lane to explore some of the most popular cars of the period which are now considered modern classics. And if you own one from this time, it’s worth considering a specialist insurance provider that will ensure your car is properly protected. Limited mileage, agreed value option and club member discount are just some of the bene fits we offer to help protect you and your classic car.”

To read more about popular cars we insure at Lancaster, please visit: https://www.lancasterinsurance.co.uk/news/2021/february/26/the-most-popular-classics-we-insure-at-lancaster/

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