In this week’s blog, we’d like to introduce you to smallcarBIGCITY, part of the DRIVESHARE family. Based in London and founded in 2009, smallcarBIGCITY offers a unique way to explore the capital – in beautifully restored classic Mini Coopers. With a mission to make visitors feel like locals, their tours combine personal recommendations, retro music, and iconic British cars for an experience like no other.
smallcarBIGCITY is an important part of the DRIVESHARE family, offering one of our signature experience products. With founder Robert Welch and the team expanding beyond London, we’re excited about launching DRIVESHARE-curated international car-driven tours in 2025, and continuing to grow our community worldwide.
Robert (pictured) was given his first Mini Cooper – Jules, a 1974 model – on his 17th birthday. That one car sparked a passion that led him from student life to launching a company built around his love for classic cars and London. His vision was to offer unconventional tours of the city, with guides who provide insider tips and a fleet of quintessentially British Minis to make every ride memorable.
"We wanted to create an experience that feels personal, one that visitors can carry with them long after they leave the city. Our goal is to bring back the spirit of old London while offering a modern, sustainable service," says Robert.
Discover London in a Different Way
smallcarBIGCITY offers a range of themed tours designed for every type of tourist. Whether you’re a fan of classic London crime stories, Harry Potter magic, or you enjoy a good gin, there’s a tour for you.
- One of the most popular options is the Harry Potter Tour, where fans can see filming locations and explore the magic of the wizarding world, all from the comfort of a classic Mini Cooper.
- For a romantic evening, the London for Lovers Tour is perfect, offering panoramic views of the city from the car’s sunroof, along with blankets, bubbly, and chocolates.
- During the festive season, the Christmas Lights Tour brings the magic of London to life, with Christmas songs on the stereo, warm blankets, and hot cocoa as you cruise past the city’s dazzling holiday displays.
- If you’re more interested in nature, the Secret Gardens Tour is a hidden gem, taking you to tucked-away green spaces scattered throughout the capital.
The company also caters to corporate events, team-building activities, and even weddings. One of their most unique offerings is a treasure hunt inspired by the classic film The Italian Job – a favorite among group events. With every tour, smallcarBIGCITY creates experiences that will be talked about for years to come.
Driving Sustainability Forward
From the start, sustainability has been a core value at smallcarBIGCITY. They've taken numerous steps to reduce their environmental impact and aim to operate the first fleet of zero-emission electric classic cars. The company is converting classic cars into electric vehicles while maintaining their original 'coolness'...
Since launch, smallcarBIGCITY has hosted over 60,000 customers and earned more than 1,000 five-star reviews. The company has been featured in Fodor’s, ranked as the No.1 Greatest Thing To Do in London by Time Out Magazine, and placed No. 2 in the UK Travellers Choice Awards. Their reputation for providing a unique way to see London continues to grow, offering locals and visitors a special experience they won’t forget.
If you’re visiting the UK capital and looking for something a bit different, why not explore in one of smallcarBIGCITY’s classic Minis? For more information on their tours, visit their website here.
