About smallcarBIGCITY - the history of classic Mini hire in London

What we do…

smallcarBIGCITY offer Classic Mini Cooper Hire for event companies, travel operators, advertising agencies and distinguished private travellers.

Services we offer…

Bespoke Sightseeing Experiences
Classic Car Hire – Advertising Solutions, Props for Television and Film, Wedding Car Hire, Classic Car Event Hire, Self Drive Hire
Group Events – Team Building, Treasure Hunts, Corporate Entertainment, Stag and Hen Dos
Travel / Event Concierge / DMC Support

Our reputation…

60,000+ happy customers. 1000+ 5* Reviews. Listed the No.1 Greatest Thing To Do In London by Time Out Magazine. No.2 in UK Travellers Choice Awards. Fully accredited Virtuoso Partner through ‘The Accomplished Travel New York’. Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor. We are part of the DRIVESHARE Family.

Our Goals

History

Robert Welch, founder and Chap In Charge at smallcarBIGCITY was given a 1974 Mini Cooper for his 17th Birthday called Jules, that began a relationship that took him from student to entrepreneur. (Read more about Jules here)

Robert dreamt of running a company that steered away from conventional methods of touring the capital, to found a company that only used a fleet of classic cars, quintessentially English guides, retro music and personal recommendations based on the client’s individual requirements. He wanted visitors to London to feel like locals, not tourists.

smallcarBIGCITY officially opened for business on the 26th August 2009 – exactly 50 years to the day that the first-ever classic Mini rolled off the production line, bring the swinging little Mini back onto the streets of London.

Sustainability has always been important to us, so we run numerous initiatives to reduce our impact on the planet – (Read our Sustainability Promise for more info). Our aim is to not only offset the carbon we produce but to actually be carbon negative by 2026. Our goal is ambitious but simple – to operate the first fleet of zero-emission electric classic cars for hire and reward. smallcarBIGCITY became part of the DRIVESHARE Family in 2023.