Top 10: Classic diesels
We felt it was time we took a look at this oft-neglected section of the classic car scene. After all, for anybody looking for the ultimate in fuel economy and low running costs, a diesel classic makes a lot of sense.
When the Escort finally went front-wheel drive and morphed into a hatchback in 1980, it was a major switch of concept for Ford. Needless to say, however, it proved to be a huge hit, with the MkIII staying around until 1986 and the subsequent MkIV (essentially an updated MkIII) lasting until 1990.
Diesel versions arrived from 1983, using a Ford-designed 1.6-litre engine pushing out just 54bhp. They weren’t quick or refined but they were very economical. Things improved slightly with the 1.8-litre MkIV diesel of 1989, though 60bhp was nothing to get excited about. With 50mpg achievable though, who cared?
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Peter McGuire on 30 January 2017
What about the FX3 and FX4 London taxis?Chris C on 30 January 2017
Peugeot 306 can't be too far away from the top ten but my favourite would be a late model Rover 218SLD.TICKENHAMTIGER on 31 January 2017
I had a Pug 309 Turbo diesel as well as a 405 TD. Both excellent cars while my partner had a 205 diesel which was fantastically reliable and economical. Service intervals were relatively short. Owned a Volvo S40, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class diesels since although now gone back to petrol (Audi Q3). Still love the diesels but the publicity is so negative. Those Pug Diesel engines were so quiet compared to the competition. Shame Peugeot lost their way.on 9 February 2017
All of these hardly classics - good ridence to all of themPhillip Ellis on 13 February 2017
most of the models shown are already disappearing because of age. The worry is will recent models be affected and will bringing in the use of Ad Blue to new cars get over the problem?bakeart on 13 February 2017
Not sure if scrapping these would make much of a difference.mThe Gingerous One on 16 February 2017
I promise to try to preserve the Rover 600 diesel that I bought last week (am trading down from a 3L petrol Jag XF).Add a comment