They don’t make them like they used to. It’s an expression that can be applied to cars and caravans, and it’s a double-edged sword. There have been many advances in motoring and touring, but some character has been lost along the way.
The best caravan tow cars will offer stability, reliability and comfort, among other features, but if you feel that modern cars lack personality, then perhaps 2026 should be the year you tow with a classic car. Better yet, tow a classic caravan behind it.
There’s an obvious nostalgic appeal, especially if you revisit a car you owned decades ago – or perhaps a model your parents used to drive. But it pays to tread carefully. Modern cars have better brakes, higher power outputs, heftier kerbweights and improved reliability. There’s nothing nostalgic about waiting on the hard shoulder for a breakdown truck.
Here are a few tips on towing with a classic car safely and reliably. If you’re still unsure what you should be after in a car as well, don’t miss my tips on what to look for in a tow car.
What is a classic car?
The definition of a classic car is a moving target. Yesterday’s banger is today’s classic. What’s more, there has been a growing movement in recent years to celebrate ordinary cars through events like the Festival of the Unexceptional.
For younger caravanners, a car from the 2000s might be considered a modern classic. These cars require the least adaption from the driver, as they’re not a million miles away from today’s machines. There will be fewer driver aids and you may do without a touch screen, but some drivers will see that as a good thing.
A 20-year-old vehicle sits at the junction between a regular used car for towing a caravan and a modern classic.
The key is to find an example that’s been well cared for and is in robust condition. Keep on top of maintenance and abide by the 85% guideline when matching a car to a caravan and you should be fine.
Good examples include the original Kia Sorento and the Volvo V70 estate.
Our former editor, Nigel Donnelly, runs a 2001 Volvo V70 estate and tows his 1998 Bailey caravan he bought from Facebook Marketplace with it. He bought it for £2000 with 131,000 miles on the clock. It has just ticked over the 200,000-mile mark and is still going strong. Nigel reckons the car is now worth £1250, just £750 less than he paid for it.
That’s great value from a modern classic that can still hold its head high as a tow car today.
Nigel has made no modifications, although he is considering adding some heavy-duty rear springs.
How about towing with an older classic?
The older the classic, the further it is from a modern driving experience. It pays to think carefully before choosing to tow with a classic that’s several decades old.
From 1 August 1998, cars approved for towing required a type-approved towbar. Earlier cars do not. Check your classic’s handbook for a kerbweight and the handbook and VIN plate for the gross train weight (the maximum the car and caravan are permitted to weigh).
An older vehicle deserves to be treated well, so err on the side of caution when matching car and caravan. While the 85% guideline is useful, a more favourable matching ratio gives
a little more leeway.
Depending on the model, it can be worth investigating additional cooling if you plan to tow with a classic.
Older automatic gearboxes can have a tough time with the extra demands of towing. Ageing suspension components can lead to a wallowy ride and poor stability, so make sure the springs and dampers are in good nick and replace them if they are not.
Which classics make good tow cars?
Cars which towed well in period can still make perfectly good, not to say characterful, tow cars today. Think of the Ford Granada, Rover P6 3500 or older series of Land Rover Range Rover.
The laws of physics haven’t changed over the past few decades, so the heavier the car the better. You want the dog to wag its tail, never the other way around. Even quite large cars were much lighter than today’s equivalents, so proceed with caution.
Keep in mind that what were considered quick cars at the time are often tame by modern standards, and a few horses may have gone missing over the years.
For example, the most powerful Rover P6 had a 3.5-litre V8 with around 153bhp, depending on the exact model and whose figures you believe. This was a classy ‘sports saloon’ in period, but nowadays that sort of power output is common, even for an everyday family hatchback.
If you do have a less powerful classic, it’s best to match it to a light caravan for the sake of keeping up with modern traffic, as well as stability.
Do I need to adjust the way I drive when towing with a classic?
It depends on the car and the caravan you are towing. The older the car, the more cautiously you should approach towing.
Most modern cars can tow a well-matched caravan at 60mph (take a look at speed limits when towing a caravan if you need to familiarise yourself with them) without breaking a sweat. That’s not necessarily the case with an old classic. If 60mph is a strain and sends the temperature gauge climbing, it may be better to avoid motorways and take a slower and more scenic route. You’ll have more fun, too.
Even if the engine has no trouble towing at 60mph, travelling a little slower can make for more stable towing. A few years back we towed with a Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1 from Vauxhall’s heritage fleet, and found the car felt more secure at 55mph than 60mph.
Be sure to leave a bigger gap between your car and the vehicle in front in deference to the older brakes and the lack of an anti-lock system.
Think about the route and terrain you intend to be towing the caravan along. An older classic may struggle if you become stuck in traffic on a steep hill, so it may be better to go the long way around if this avoids a severe gradient.
The verdict on towing with a classic car
Towing with a classic can be hugely rewarding. Just be sure to match car and caravan with extra care and be fastidious with every aspect of the tow car’s maintenance.
Drive with respect and patience and you’ll find a classic adds a whole new dimension to your caravanning.
If you’re going to be setting off on tour soon, don’t miss my caravan towing checklist either, where I share what you need to know to achieve a stress-free experience on the road.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.
