The company car. For many, the term conjures up images of a bygone era – a time when a shiny, new vehicle wasn’t just a perk, but a visible symbol of professional success. In the UK, these vehicles, affectionately known as “repmobiles,” were a staple of working life, and the three decades spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s represent the peak of this phenomenon.
The Company Car as Status Symbol
During this period, securing the “right” car was a crucial factor for ambitious employees. It wasn’t simply about transportation; it was a public declaration of one’s standing in the workplace and beyond. A new car indicated success, influencing not just colleagues, but neighbours and fellow road users alike. A move up the trim levels — from an “L” to a “GL,” for example — could provide a tangible, and appreciated, consolation in the absence of a significant pay raise.
From Showroom Fresh to Familiar Sight
For many children, the arrival of their parents’ company car was a memorable event. The latest registration number proudly displayed on the number plate signaled a fresh, new addition to the family and provided an easy, visual indicator of their parents’ professional achievements. While company cars came in a variety of shapes and sizes, the D-segment – encompassing saloons and hatchbacks – dominated fleet vehicles.
The Changing Landscape of Employee Perks
The landscape of employee perks has undergone a significant shift in recent years. Increasingly, companies offer a monthly car allowance, granting employees the freedom to choose their vehicle, including exploring the second-hand market. Those still opting for the traditional company car scheme are finding electric vehicles increasingly tempting, thanks to their exceptionally low benefit-in-kind tax rates.
However, the question remains: will these newer vehicles evoke the same sense of nostalgia and affection as the iconic repmobiles of the past?
Let’s take a look back at some of the vehicles that defined the golden age of the company car.
Ford Cortina Mk3: The Vehicle that Started it All
The Ford Cortina Mk3 arguably ignited the company car revolution in the UK. While the original Cortina debuted in 1962, its crisp styling and “Aeroflow” interior ventilation system set it apart. However, it was the introduction of the Mk3 in 1970 that truly solidified its place in fleet history.
Key Features and Appeal
The Cortina Mk3’s distinctive “Coke bottle” design and range of engine options – 1.3-, 1.6-, and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – catered to a wide range of needs. However, Ford’s innovative expansion of trim levels proved to be the true game-changer, cementing the Cortina’s status as undisputed repmobile royalty. The ability for employees to move up a trim level provided a tangible reward and a symbol of advancement within the company.
The Cortina Mk3 represents a pivotal moment in British motoring and corporate culture, demonstrating how the company car evolved beyond mere transportation into a coveted status symbol.
