A classic car brings instant character to a scene. It tells the audience something about the person who drives it, the place they live and the time they're in. CarSeen finds privately owned classic cars for film, TV, commercials and photoshoots across the UK, and helps productions get the best from them on the day.
Choosing the right classic
“Classic” covers a lot of ground, from 1950s British roadsters to 1990s hot hatches that are now collectable in their own right. Before we suggest a car, we ask a few questions:
- Who owns it in the story? A retired doctor's immaculate saloon and a student's tired runabout are very different cars, even from the same year.
- How close will the camera get? A car seen across a street can be honest and well used. A car in close-up needs a sound interior and good paintwork.
- What will it do? Parked, driven past camera, or driven by cast in a tracking shot.
Browse our catalogue of thousands of cars to get a feel for what's out there, from Minis and Jaguars to Cortinas, Land Rovers and Volvos.
Classic cars behave differently
Older cars need a little more understanding than modern ones. Some have a manual choke or need a few minutes to warm up. Many have no power steering, and some don't like idling for long in hot weather. That's why owner knowledge matters. Our owners know their cars' habits, and many are happy to be on set to start, drive or move the car between takes.
Looked after on set
Classic cars are often irreplaceable, and their owners treat them that way. We talk through what the scene involves before a booking is confirmed, so there are no surprises about rigging, weather or how much driving is needed. If the scene calls for more demanding driving, our page on action vehicles covers how we plan for it. For stories set firmly in one era, see period cars for TV drama.
Guide: How much does it cost to hire a car for a film shoot?
FAQ
What counts as a classic car?
There's no fixed rule. For filming, it usually means anything that looks clearly of its era, which today includes many cars from the 1980s and 1990s.
Can cast members drive a classic car?
Often, yes, depending on the car, the scene and the owner's wishes. We agree this with the owner in advance, and some owners prefer to drive themselves.
How much notice do you need?
The more the better, especially for rarer cars, but send a brief whatever your timescale and we'll tell you what's realistic.
Looking for a particular classic?