Tuesday 29 October 2013

The Excitement Of The Classic Car Hire Experience

At Self Drive Classics we pride ourselves on making classic car hire as simple as possible so that you can enjoy your classic car experience as much as possible. We are proud to say that we are as passionate about our classic cars as our customers and offer a personal and personable service. As we are so enthusiastic about our hire fleet of classic cars, we not only keep our vehicles in excellent condition, but also offer an exciting range of classic car gifts and accessories so that our customers can get maximum enjoyment from our services.

From our base on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, just a few miles north of Birmingham, Self Drive Classics are at the perfect location for any number of days out or weekends away. Nearby are numerous easily accessible attractions, such as Cannock Chase, the Peak District, Chatsworth House, Bakewell and Matlock. Our Lichfield base is in easy reach of Shakespeare country and Shropshire towns such as Telford and Ironbridge that we once at the heart of the industrial revolution. By hiring a classic car, you can explore the historic Midlands in style, and experience the freedom and excitement of the motoring of the past.

For those wanting to attract attention to one of our beautiful fleet of vintage cars, Self Drive Classics is within easy reach of motorways, and by taking the M42, you can be in Oxfordshire and the picturesque Cotswolds in under an hours drive. Drive in freedom as other motorists admire your striking vehicle. By hiring a ‘frogeye’ Sprite, or Triumph Vitesse, you are sure to catch many an eye.

As well as escaping to the countryside, our collection of classic cars are ideal for weddings and other special events. We offer a fleet of more unusual, attention-grabbing chauffer driven classic wedding cars so that brides and grooms can arrive at their wedding in a memorable way. However, to arrive in the ultimate style, the bride or groom can even drive themselves with our self drive classic wedding cars.

Whatever the occasion for classic car hire from Self Drive Classics, you can be sure to feel a real mechanical connection with the vehicle and get away from the technological distractions of modern motoring.


If you would like to find out more about classic car hire, feel free to visit www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk.

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Why Classic Car Hire Is So Popular For Fans Of The Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite

When the Austin Healey ‘frogeye’ Sprite was introduced in 1958, a brand new trend was started when sports car driving became available to the masses. This 2-seater sports car was designed by Donald Healey, with the purpose of being an affordable model “a chap could keep in his bike shed”. Its reasonable price combined the huge grin created by its ‘frogeye’ headlights and grille made sure it was an immediate hit in the motoring world.


Over 50 years later and 42 years since production of the ‘frogeye’ Sprite ceased, this small, quirky British classic continues to capture the hearts of many. Though the Austin Healey Sprite as well as the MG Midget range continued to develop, whilst keeping the original idea alive, it is the ‘frogeye’ Sprite that remains the most loved due to its ‘fun’ appeal and appearance. Due to the continued enthusiasm all over the world, more and more drivers consider classic car hire to fulfil their dream of experiencing the legendary little car.

For those fans not lucky enough to be members of the ‘frogeye’ owners club, classic car hire is an exciting opportunity. By hiring a car, fans are able to enjoy everything that they love about the ‘frogeye’ Sprite, for a reasonable and affordable price, just like it was originally meant to be. For motorists, there is nothing better than journeying through the quiet British roads for a day, or even a weekend in the legendary Sprite, greeting other cars with a friendly smile.

Hiring a ‘frogeye’ Sprite, or another popular British classic car allows people to truly enjoy driving, and experience the freedom of motorists of the past. Alongside the popularity of ‘frogeye’ hire, more and more people are also looking to enjoy another British favourite, the MorrisMinor. One of the longest running British production cars, built from 1948 to 1971, the ‘Magic Moggie’ as it is known as by diehard fans, can also be enjoyed for a reasonable price for those craving a true British motoring experience.


If you would like to learn more about hiring a classic car, feel free to visit www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk 

  

Thursday 12 September 2013

Now Is The Time To Relive Those Motoring Memories

It may seem strange to say but the best time to get out there and hire a classic is Spring or Autumn and for me Autumn is just about perfect. Many times I have had customers return from a summer hire lobster red from a days open top motoring in the summer heat! There is nothing quite like the cooler autumn air, the classics love it and they let you know just in the way they run so much more sweetly. The roads a quiet compared to summer and the Derbyshire and Staffordshire countryside is just stunning. We always seem to have good weather in September and October - often better than July and August! So now is the time to really enjoy that classic car day out. There are plenty of places to visit and most are not quite as busy as the school holiday months. So if you are thinking 'perhaps I have left it too late' then think again as now is the best time the hire a classic car. Give us a call on 07918715039 or 01889504040 and see what we have to offer.

Thursday 29 August 2013

Make Your Big Day Extra Special By Hiring Classic Wedding Cars

For decades, classic wedding cars have played in a key part in the traditional British wedding day, chauffeuring the proud Father and the Bride, and providing special transport for the groom to get there on time, whilst allowing them all to make an impressive entrance. Countless popular films feature the classic image of bride gracefully stepping out of a white Rolls Royce or Limousine.

In the past, you would have struggled to find an alternative to this option, however, today more and more couples are seeking something more original to make their wedding day even more memorable for them and their guests.

With vehicles ranging from a vintage Citroen DS to a TVR Chimaera or Lotus Espirit, or even a 50’s MG Magnette, you could find your dream classic car for hire. With the traditional Roller or Limousine entrance growing ever more predictable, couples are looking to turn more heads with a truly original choice of classic wedding cars. What could be more impressive than the wedding party arriving one by one in a fleet of Italian Job style Minis.

While many choose to take the tried and tested approach to wedding day transport and hire chauffer driven classic wedding cars, this is not the only option. Some classic car hire companies also offer the possibility of self-driven classic wedding cars, allowing the bride and groom to make the ultimate individual entrances to their wedding by driving themselves and then exiting in style, driving off into the sunset together.


In many cases, hiring a self-driven wedding car is a cheaper and more flexible experience than a standard chauffer driven classic car for hire, and of course most importantly, more enjoyable for the happy couple on their big occasion. Self-drive classic cars can usually be hired for a full 24 hours or more. This is not the case for chauffer driven cars, as the driver is usually only available for shorter periods of time, often for more than double the price of a self-drive car.

If you would like to learn more about classic car hire, feel free to visit www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk.

Wednesday 31 July 2013

Self Drive Hire Is a Must For A Summer’s Day



We’ve been really lucky with the weather recently and although none of us know how long it is going to last, there is nothing like taking to the open road and enjoying motoring whilst the summer is here.  Whether you get the top down on your cabriolet, or simply wind down the windows to enjoy the warm breeze, driving is great fun at this time of year.

One way to make driving even more fun is to hire a classic car to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy motoring from a bygone era.  We’ve got a great range of vehicles to choose from if you want to go for the self drive option – great if you want to get behind the steering wheel yourself .  Our self-drive cars include the Jaguar E Type, Triumph Vitesse, Morris Minor and MG TF.  Or if you’d rather have the luxury of being chauffeur driven, perhaps for your wedding day or a special gift, we offer motoring classics such as the Rover P5, Citroen DS and Lotus Esprit.

Your enjoyment of classic motoring needn’t end there as we also offer a range of classic car gifts and accessories.  We’ve got driving gloves so you can keep your hands warm on cool driving days, classic car gift vouchers to treat that special someone, bits and bobs to help you tinker about with your own classic car and glovebox essentials so that you can enjoy a day trip and know that you have everything you need on board.

Enjoying classic cars is often a much more than a hobby but whatever level you enjoy classic motoring make sure you enjoy it during the long days of summer.

Monday 29 July 2013

Enjoy it while we can!

I know we should not complain but it seems the weather just can't get it quite right. We have had 2 really bad summers with 2012 being a total washout. Now we are baking on southern European heat with the odd storm thrown in. What happened to those lovely English summer days 25 degrees with a light breeze? Well now is the time to make the most of the sunshine and get out there in a classic car. You can hire this Vitesse from www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk for £175 for a full day including insurance and 200 miles to enjoy the Derbyshire Peaks or rural Staffordshire. The Vitesse is just one of a range of classic cars available for you to enjoy so why not blow away the cobwebs in classic style. Take a look at our range of classic cars for hire. Or perhaps you have always fancied a little classic or your own? We always have a couple of just restored classics we can offer for sale at www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk . If you are looking for a particular classic then give us a call, we might be able to help you find the right car at the right price. We can also repair and/or restore your classic so you can get behind the wheel and enjoy classic motoring.


Friday 19 July 2013

Quick - Buy this little gem before I change my mind!

I have been driving this little Midget about for the past few weeks in all this great weather. It goes well and the metallic green paint job catches the sun and looks quite stunning. The rover seats make this car  are far more comfortable than any Midget I have ever driven (I have restored 6 before this one). Trouble is I am getting attached to it now so I need someone to buy it before I change my mind. There are plenty of details about this car on self drive classics We also have 2  excellent MGB's up for sale on the same site so take a look and take advantage of the sunshine while it lasts! If you want to make the most of the weather in classic style without splashing out on a classic of your own then hire yourself a classic car from Self Drive Classics  we have a great selection of your favourite classic cars from the 60's and 70's and it is cheaper and more convenient than ownership. If you are interested in the Midget or having a classic of your own then get in touch via www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk

Tuesday 9 July 2013

Get Noticed

Last weekend saw the annual Lichfield Cars in the Park show at Beacon Park. Every year the show seems to get bigger with some 13 modern car dealers displaying the very latest metal alongside 100’s of beautiful classic cars of all ages’ shapes and sizes. Self DriveClassics had a stand at the show on Sunday showing off the new range of classic car accessories and gifts as well as classic car hire. It is very promising to see so many young folks at these shows and there seems to be a real interest in classic cars. We see this as more and more people are using self drive classiccars as prom cars instead of the traditional (and a bit chav) stretch limo. So if you are looking for a prom car that’s a bit different go to www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk and see how you can stand out from the crowd.

Friday 5 July 2013

Volvo P1800 project for sale


I bought this a couple of years ago intending to fully restore it to its former glory but with so much to do and several other project on the go I am sorry to say this one has to go. It is a 1964 Cow Horn P1800. It has been stripped to the bare shell (loom and dash are still in the car). I have already spent thousands on the shell having the drivers side completely rebuilt from the lower front wings, 3 piece sill, lower rear wing, rear arch and lower rear arch all replaced with new panels. The near side needs to be done. The engine has been completely rebuilt, crank reground, new bearings, bores honed and new rings, cylinder head skimmed with new valve guides all assembled with new gaskets. The rest of the car is in boxes. Be under no illusion – this is not a weekends work! However, once completed you will have one of the rare Cow Horn models of one of the most attractive classic cars out there. The project is up for sale at £3750 ovno. Call Steve on 07918715039 for more details.

Lichfield Cars in the Park

Lichfield cars in the Park Show

This weekend is Lichfield’s car in the park. Cars in the park has now become one of the largest car events in the Midlands and this year is looking bigger than ever with some 13+ car dealers showing off the latest models next to hundreds of beautiful classic cars of all makes models and years. Self Drive Classic will be there with a stand showing our new range of classic car gifts and accessories as well as details of the cars we have available for both self drive hire and chauffeur driven wedding cars. As far as I am aware entry to the show is free (£5 for parking)  and it looks like the sun is going to shine so bring the family along for a great day out in Lichfield.

Monday 1 July 2013

Driving as a luxury rather than a necessity



When we dream of driving a classic car, rather than showing off to our friends, the thought that most appeals is often the freedom of traveling the British country roads, with the roof down, steering clear of the everyday horrors of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and traffic jams. The sense of escapism may seem to be unattainable to many, but there is a simple prospect to join that select collection of classic car owners, if only for a week, a long weekend, a day or even just an afternoon.

Today, the classic car experience is not restricted only to owners. It’s so simple to hire a Morris Minor and take yourself back to 1948, replacing your anger at urban traffic with the independence and hopefulness of post-Second World War Britain. Rental allows you to get back to treating driving as a luxury rather than a stressful necessity.

Both men and women are taking up the prospect of touring their favourite British counties in style, taking advantage of car rental to trade in the constant traffic reports of congestion on the M6 with the growl of a good old fashioned engine.  What better way to spend a holiday, or weekend getaway?

If a week, or weekend seems too long a time to indulge, classic car hire could create the perfect romantic afternoon, an exciting gift for a friend, or even be one of the highlights of your wedding day.  The idea of driving may not be part of everyone’s dream, but in that case, the opportunity to be chauffer driven may be something that they have long fantasised about. With the ever increasingly popularity of School leaver’s proms and balls, Frogeye Sprite car hire could create a much more dramatic entrance than the usual Limousine or Hummer.

Hiring a classic car may not be as satisfying as owning one, but without having to worry about restoration or maintenance, with insurance included in the rental price, it can be an affordable option that gives you the true enjoyment of driving without taking the experience for granted.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Don't Shoot

We have just updated the Aston Martin page with some of the images from our 'classic curves' project. Sadly we did not have enough time to produce our classic curves calendar for 2013 but we hope to have something special ready for the end of this year.

We have a very broad range of classic cars available for self drive hire from a Frogeye Sprite to a classic Mercedes so whatever the occasion we have the special classic to suit.

Really Useful Stuff



The Self Drive Classics range of classic car gifts continues to grow and we are always looking for new ideas. The latest addition is a classic style radio with the look from the 50's/60's, a proper tuning dial but this version does pick up FM! Our range of gifts and accessories complements our self drive hire cars so you can not only hire the car but also add something as a memento of the day.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Frogeye Sprite Tribute T-shirts

If you have a Frogeye Sprite or you have always fancied one then how about one of our unique Frogeye tribute T-shirts? We also have a design for the Morris Minor 'Magic Moggie' along with many other great classic car gift ideas. Our range of gifts complements our collection of classic cars for self drive hire or chauffeur driven wedding hire. Our gift range includes period radios, useful glove box tools and accessories, a range of picnic hampers and picnic gear and a range of the finest driving gloves. You can browse our gift range along with our classic cars at www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Why More And More People Are Choosing To Rent A Classic Car

Having the opportunity to rent a classic car is something which many people think they don’t have, yet it is very simple to organise for a loved one. Most classic car rental companies will be able to produce a gift voucher for customers to buy, as they make brilliant gifts for those people who never know what to buy for their loved one!

With Father’s Day just a couple of weeks away, a classic car rental gift voucher can make the perfect gift. But of course, it’s not just men who are experiencing a mid-life crisis who have the desire to hire a classic car for the weekend. Increasing numbers of groups of friends, both male and female, are choosing to hire a car for a day or two whilst they cruise around the country lanes of their favourite county. They may incorporate the car rental in with a long weekend spent in a remote cottage where they can chill out and get away from domesticity.

Whatever the reason for the weekend break, it can be made so much more special by travelling there and around the surrounding areas in style. On the other hand, the classic car may only be rented for an afternoon – perhaps for a wedding where the bride and her father wish to arrive in style or perhaps the groom wishes to whisk his new wife away somewhere romantic following the evening reception.

The bride and groom will often have the choice as to whether they wish to be chauffeur driven, or if they would prefer to experience the thrill of driving a classic car and choose to drive the motor themselves.

Proms seem to be an increasingly popular activity for many school leavers and university graduates, and one way to make a grand entrance is by arriving in a classic car. Being able to rent a classic car is relatively simple though there will be some terms and conditions stipulated by the hire company. There may be an age restriction on the minimum age of the driver due to insurance costs and generally speaking the driver will need to have a clean licence.

If you would like a rent a classic car or if you would perhaps like to research classic car rental for a friend, then feel free to visit the www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk website for further information.

Monday 3 June 2013

Classic Wedding Cars

More and more couples are looking for something other than a limo or a white roller as transport for the big day. We have just added 3 more exceptional classic cars to our collection of chauffeur driven wedding cars our collection now includes two Citroen DS A funky little Citroen 2CV and the Italian Job minis There is also the TVR and now the Lotus Esprit as transport for the groom.
Take a look at our website www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk for more
details or give us a call on 01889504040.
It looks like the summer has finally arrived, just as well as it has been raining since April 2012! Now is the time to enjoy a little classic motoring. Get away for a day or weekend in one of our classic cars and relive your motoring memories. Pack a picnic and head off into the Peaks - lets make the most of it! Classic car hire from Self Drive Classic is easy, just give us a call and we will help you choose the right car and get you started on the classic adventure.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

New Editions


Deluxe Hamper Set

Really Useful Stuff!

New to Self Drive Classics is our very own range of essentials, accessories and gifts we call 'really useful stuff'. This is a collection we have put together totally with the classic car enthusiast in mind. Our products range from essential items to keep in your classic through to luxury hampers and accessories. We have covered every aspect of classic motoring and this is just the start! The products shown on this website are just a sample of the full blown e-shop we will be launching later this year so bookmark us and ‘like’ us on face book and keep up to date with the latest developments.

Mercedes Benz 250SE 1968
Stuttgart Stunner

The latest edition to our classic car fleet is a stunning 1968 Mercedes Benz 250SE. These were the last of the ‘real’ Mercs – hand built with the classic Mercedes stacked headlights and a big prominent from grill. Finished in white with plenty of chrome and a blue interior our Mercedes makes a great classic wedding car as well as proving a great classic drive.





Tuesday 2 April 2013

Why A Driving Experience Voucher Can Make The Perfect Gift For A Classic Car Fan

Driving a classic car is often a dream for many men and women – hearing the roar of the engine whilst driving with the top down is a luxury many of won’t experience with our modern motors. Although reality often means drivers are stuck with their current cars to go about their daily business, one fantastic idea for a gift for a loved one could be a driving experience voucher.

The beauty of the voucher is that it can give a driver the perfect opportunity to live out their dream, even if it is only for a day or two. A driving experience voucher will usually include the cost of the hire of the vehicle as well as the relevant insurance which is required, although be warned that some insurance companies will only cover drivers above a certain age.

If you are looking to purchase a gift voucher for a friend or relative then make sure you read the small print in order to ensure you are buying the correct ‘experience’ for the special person. Of course, many drivers who have had the opportunity to drive a classic car for a day or a weekend may well have really caught the bug and decide to actually purchase a classic car of their own. They may have a strong interest in restoring cars which have been left untouched for years and therefore wish to rebuild the car back to its former glory.

There are many classic car sales taking place up and down the country, or of course cars can be purchased directly from other classic car enthusiasts. It is definitely recommended that the car is seen and, if possible, test driven before any money is handed over. Many cars may need a little TLC before they are safe to be driven on the roads. Joining the elite club of becoming a classic car owner can put you in touch with a whole world of other classic car enthusiasts with whom you can share tips and stories about restoring or driving your dream cars.

If you know of a friend or relative who would love to receive a driving experience voucher or if you would like to learn more about classic car sales, then please visit the www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk website in order to find out more information.

Thursday 28 February 2013

The Joys Of Classic Car Rental

There are a number of reasons as to why a person may choose to hire a classic car. It may be that they wish to turn up at their wedding in style, or perhaps they may just fancy having a weekend of fun, whizzing around the countryside with the roof down and the sound of the engine roaring. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of classic car fans who take great pleasure in hiring a classic car for a day or a weekend.

Classic car rental is relatively simple. All you need to do is take a look online for a nearby classic car hire supplier to see if they have the type of car which you fancy hiring. Most rental companies will offer a range of different makes and models, with the most popular being Aston Martins, Jaguar E-Types and not forgetting the classic favourite, the Morris Minor. Make sure you take note of the minimum age of the driver prior to booking, and also be aware of the insurance excess costs as well.

Remember that many classic cars do not have rear seatbelts, so be aware of this if you are planning to take children out on your trip with you. The Morris Minor is a classic British favourite, due to its great handling and cute appearance.

Morris Minor convertible hire is popular with many classic car hire enthusiasts, as drivers can take the roof down as they zip round the country lanes in the sunshine. Morris Minor convertible hire is very often only available for those drivers who are above the age of 25, primarily because of insurance reasons.

To really benefit from hiring a classic car, many people choose to ditch the sat nav for the day and go back to reading a traditional map. You could also load the boot up with a basket picnic hamper full of all your favourite treats ready for a tasty picnic lunch – though don’t forget a waterproof picnic blanket as the British weather is always full of surprises!

Thursday 31 January 2013

Why Car Hire West Midlands Is So Popular For Classic Car Fans

There are numerous classic car fans who are on the search for different and exciting classic cars to buy. It may be they wish to use the cars for their own personal enjoyment, or it may well be that they wish to be able to hire the cars out for driving experience weekends or perhaps for weddings where the bride and groom can make a dramatic entrance to the church.

In order to find classic cars for sale, many enthusiasts turn to the internet in order to find suitable cars. They may have a particular make and model in mind which they have dreamed about since their childhood or it may be they are open to ideas and wish to find out more information about the pros and cons of owning and driving a classic car.

Of course, a range of classic cars for sale are nearly always listed in magazines and journals dedicated to classic car fans. Before making the big step of actually purchasing a classic car, some drivers choose to hire a similar car for a day or a weekend in order to get a real feel for the car and to see if the decision of buying a classic car is the right one for them.

There are a number of car hire West Midlands companies who have a selection of cars for fans to hire for a specified period of time. Some individuals also have the opportunity of purchasing the car once they have test driven it for a day or so, though very often they will need to locate an alternative car which is available to buy.

Of course, for those people who do not have the money or expertise to purchase a classic car themselves, they could make do with just hiring a car for a treat. Many car hire West Midlands firms are able to offer gift vouchers or driving experience weekends for their customers. Most classic car fans are aware of the cost involved with purchasing an older car. Though many are exempt from road tax, they very often need a lot of care and attention to ensure they are road worthy and are safe to drive.

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Choose something different for your special day

We like to offer something unique for those who are looking for something different for their special day. We have made a couple of great new additions to our classic wedding car collection with the introduction of a roaring TVR Chimaera and a fantastic fun 3 car Italian Job style mini cavalcade. These cars are available chauffeur driven only and are located near Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.