Car Leasing | Contract Hire, Sales and Car Finance Deals | OSV Ltd

WHAT IS AN ESTATE CAR?

Do you have a large pet, or a lot of equipment that needs to be moved? Have you got a growing family and the need for a little more space for a new buggy? If so, then maybe an Estate Car is exactly what you need.

An Estate car is a variant of a saloon with the roof extended to the back over the rear passenger and cargo areas of the car. This extended roof provides extra storage space that is accessed via a fifth (or third if the vehicle is 2-door) door. This extra door is in place of a boot.

An advantage with the Estate is the ability to flexibly reconfigure the space at the back of the vehicle, providing space for the passengers, or more space for the Newfoundland puppy you’ve just added to the family.
The car is referred to as a Station Wagon in the US, a Kombi in Germany and by some manufacturers as a Shooting Brake.

The term Estate car was coined as it was used to transport people to and from country estates in the UK. In the US the name Station Wagon is used, as the original purpose was to transport people and their luggage to and from the train station.

Manufacturers have different ways of branding their Estate cars, using different terms such as Avant, Sports Tourer, Touring and Caravan to identify their own individual version of the Estate.

If you’re looking for a spacious car that can be used by the whole family plus pet then getting an Estate might be just the thing for you. Below you will see a range of makes and models that we can offer. Give us a call now on 01903 538835 or send us a message to request a call back at a time that fits you.

Estate

HISTORY OF ESTATE CARS

The Estate cars produced in the early 1900s were actually after-market conversions, adapted using wood and steel to create the wagon shape we are familiar with today.

These conversions were produced until the 1960s and were considered both expensive and luxurious and referred to as ‘shooting-brake’ as they were often used for the purpose of transporting hunters and their guns around the estate.

Later Estate cars were mass produced in factories by Morris, Hillman, Austin and Ford. The new Estate cars included the Hillman Husky (1954) and Ford Squire (1955). Most of these original Estate cars were built on the chassis of much smaller cars and had only two doors.

In the 1950s Rover and Austin both produced 4×4 utility vehicles with canvas tops, these were available with an estate car body and sold as Station Wagons. Both models had better seating and extra options (like heating).

In 1963 Ford produced their first ever factory-built Estate car, the Ford Cortina.

By the 1970s things had changed and both Ford and Vauxhall were producing Estate versions of their core models in their factories. Estate cars were no longer conversions.

The Estate car of today isn’t just for taking the lord of the manor to the duck shoot or transporting the family on a day trip to the beach with everything you might need (including the kitchen sink). These days they are ideal if you’re looking for decent boot space or if you have a large pet.

Estate

BENEFITS OF AN ESTATE CAR

Whether you’re a keen golfer, photographer with lots of equipment to transport, or simply like to bulk buy at the supermarket, the Estate car could be just what you’re looking for.

THE PROS OF A Estate

  • Flexible interior space for passengers and cargo
  • Stylish – Estate cars have come a long way from the boxy cars they were in the 70s and 80s
  • 4×4 alternative – a great alternative to the 4×4 and MPV
  • Larger interior for storage and passengers

THE CONS OF A Estate

  • They are quite large and can be difficult to park
  • Heavier than a saloon or a coupe
  • Noise in the cabin can seem louder than in a saloon or coupe
  • Road handling, traditionally, isn’t as good

INTERESTED IN GETTING A BRAND NEW ESTATE?

Give us a call on 01903 538835, or fill in the form on our contact page to request a call back.