I remember going to nearby Rearsby, where the Auster Factory was, many years ago (1970's) for a light aircraft airshow. The Tipsy Nipper was one aircraft (kit built I think) that springs to mind http://www.airplane-pictures.net/type.php?p=406 and I think that was designed by a lecturer at Loughbourgh University, named Maccabee (who was head of the local branch of the RAES for a while back in the early 1990's)
Not sure if this would qualify as as Classic - but it is certainly British!
B
If the good old days were as bad as today - then we are up to our necks in it!