The Best Of Britain's V8 Cars
While Britain is often celebrated for its inline-sixes and turbo fours, some of its most memorable automobiles have thundered with the raw power of a V8. From luxurious tourers to wild supercars, these British-built machines prove that the Union Jack can fly proudly over roaring eight-cylinder beasts. Here are the greatest V8-powered cars to ever emerge from British factories.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977–1989)
Built in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, the original V8 Vantage was Britain’s answer to American muscle cars. Powered by a 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V8, it delivered an impressive 390 horsepower and a top speed of around 170 mph. Often dubbed "Britain’s first supercar," it combined hand-built craftsmanship with brute performance, wrapped in timeless GT styling.
Jaguar XJR (1994–1997)
The Jaguar XJR, assembled in Coventry, marked the brand’s return to form in the '90s. Initially powered by a 4.0-liter supercharged V8 from the AJ-V8 family, it delivered 370 horsepower and reached a top speed of 155 mph. It was one of the earliest sedans to combine luxury and aggressive V8 performance under a distinctly British badge.
TVR Cerbera 4.5 (1996–2003)
The TVR Cerbera, built in Blackpool, was a brutal and uncompromising sports car that used a 4.5-liter AJP8 V8 engine developed in-house by TVR. With 420 horsepower on tap and a top speed of 185 mph, it was a raw, analog machine designed for skilled drivers. Its lightweight body and thunderous soundtrack made it an instant cult classic.
Bentley Mulsanne Speed (2015–2020)
Hand-assembled at Bentley’s Crewe facility, the Mulsanne Speed was a pinnacle of British luxury paired with overwhelming force. Its 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 produced 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 190 mph, it effortlessly moved its nearly three-ton body with astounding grace and power.
Bristol Fighter (2004–2011)
Rare and underappreciated, the Bristol Fighter was built in Filton, England, and featured a front-mounted 8.0-liter Chrysler V10 in early versions, but later models—including the Fighter T—used a heavily modified V8 variant producing 628 horsepower. It could reach a top speed of 210 mph, making it one of the fastest British cars of its time.
Edvvc from London, UK, Wikimedia Commons
McLaren MP4-12C (2011–2014)
Though McLaren is better known for V6 hybrids today, the MP4-12C—assembled in Woking, Surrey—launched the brand’s modern supercar era. It featured a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 592 horsepower. With a top speed of 207 mph, it combined Formula 1 tech with daily usability, showing how sharp a British V8 could be.
Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic (2017–2021)
Assembled in Solihull, the Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8, producing 557 horsepower. Despite its bulk and off-road capability, it reached 155 mph. This SUV demonstrated how British engineering could deliver performance without compromising luxury or all-terrain prowess.
Aston Martin DB11 V8 (2017–present)
Built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon plant, the DB11 V8 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 sourced from Mercedes-AMG, but tuned in-house. It delivers 503 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 187 mph. The engine swap gave the DB11 improved balance and responsiveness, making it a driver's favorite.
Carfanatic2019, Wikimedia Commons
Noble M600 (2010–present)
Manufactured in Leicestershire, the Noble M600 is a hand-built supercar with a Volvo-derived 4.4-liter V8 reengineered with twin turbos. Producing up to 650 horsepower, the M600 reaches a top speed of 225 mph. Its minimalist interior and lack of electronic driver aids make it a true purist’s car.
TVR Griffith (2024)
The revived TVR Griffith, finally nearing production, is expected to be built in Ebbw Vale, Wales. It will feature a Ford-sourced 5.0-liter Coyote V8, producing around 500 horsepower. With a projected top speed of over 200 mph, this lightweight coupe aims to recapture the raw magic of TVR’s heyday with modern engineering.
New TVR Griffith in London! Chasing My Future Shmeemobile, Shmee150
Bentley Continental GT V8 (2013–present)
Handcrafted in Crewe, the Bentley Continental GT V8 combines elegance with punch. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 542 horsepower, pushing this luxury coupe to a top speed of 198 mph. More agile than its W12 sibling, the V8 version offers a perfect blend of refinement and responsiveness.
Morgan Plus 8 (1968–2004; 2012–2018)
Built in Malvern, Worcestershire, the Morgan Plus 8 evolved from a Rover V8-powered roadster into a BMW V8-powered modern classic in later years. Its 4.8-liter BMW V8 made 367 horsepower, launching the lightweight car to 155 mph. It merged vintage charm with modern muscle in a way only Morgan could deliver.
Jaguar F-Type R (2014–present)
The Jaguar F-Type R, built in Castle Bromwich, is a true British bruiser. Its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 generates 575 horsepower, rocketing it to 186 mph. With a feral exhaust note and sleek bodywork, the F-Type R proves Jaguar still knows how to make performance thrilling and theatrical.
Matti Blume, Wikimedia Commons
Land Rover Defender V8 (2021–present)
Constructed in Nitra, Slovakia and Solihull, the V8-powered Defender reinvents the utilitarian icon as a performance SUV. Using a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 delivering 518 horsepower, it hits 149 mph. Rugged yet refined, it’s a blend of heritage and horsepower that works both on- and off-road.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Rolls-Royce Wraith (2013–2022)
Built in Goodwood, West Sussex, the Rolls-Royce Wraith was the most powerful car the brand had ever produced. Its 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivered 624 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph. The Wraith paired supernatural acceleration with a velvet-gloved ride, redefining the luxury coupe.
Jensen Interceptor (1966–1976)
One of the earliest British cars to embrace the American V8, the Jensen Interceptor was built in West Bromwich and powered by Chrysler-sourced engines. The 7.2-liter V8 in later models produced 385 horsepower and enabled a top speed of 135 mph. Wrapped in Italian-designed bodywork, it was as cosmopolitan as it was potent.
Lister Storm (1993–1994)
Among the rarest supercars ever made, the Lister Storm was built in Cambridge and used a 7.0-liter Jaguar V12 in most versions—but it also featured V8 variants in development. The engine produced 546 horsepower and the Storm reached 208 mph, dominating British GT racing in the 1990s.
Edvvc from London, UK, Wikimedia Commons
Bowler EXR-S (2012–2015)
The Bowler EXR-S, built in Derbyshire, was an off-road racer turned road-legal monster. With a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 lifted from the Range Rover Sport, it delivered 550 horsepower and hit 155 mph. Built on a reinforced chassis, it blended rally toughness with outrageous performance.
Extreme Power, No Handling - 2012 Bowler EXR S (Forza 6) by rockinchimp
Aston Martin V8 Zagato (1986–1990)
A collaboration between Aston Martin and Italian coachbuilder Zagato, this limited-edition GT was built in Newport Pagnell. Its 5.3-liter V8 produced 430 horsepower and propelled the car to 186 mph. Though controversial in design, the V8 Zagato was a rare and ferocious expression of British power.
Ultima Evolution Coupe (2015–present)
Built in Hinckley, Leicestershire, the Ultima Evolution is a British supercar kit that can be ordered turnkey. It uses a Chevrolet LS V8, with the most extreme version delivering 1,020 horsepower. With a top speed over 240 mph, it offers hypercar performance at a fraction of the price—and built entirely in the UK.
SUPERCARS Monaco - 1020hp Ultima EVO Coupe, NYCars
Which British V8 Is Your Favorite?
Britain’s V8 legacy is deeper and more varied than many realize. From luxury grand tourers to hardcore track monsters, these cars have shown that British builders can master the art of high-displacement, high-drama performance. Whether born in a luxury estate or a Blackpool shed, these machines proudly roar with British ingenuity—and eight angry cylinders.
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