Too much money? You can buy these English exotics for €60,000

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Sportshift – 2007 – 107,825 kilometers – €57,500

Of course we wanted to portray a Ferrari, but the time when you could have such a fantastic F355 GTS for 50 grand is over. Our database only contains older, less popular models such as the Mondial, which dates from the time when Ferraris were sullen and not too reliable and had a somewhat strange seating position. No, then Aston Martin. Their models do not really retain their value, which means that with our budget you have a relatively wide choice: open or closed, V8 or V12, manual or automatic. Or you take the Cygnet, but that is a converted Toyota iQ, so it does not participate.

This Aston Martin V8 Vantage is participating, because look at that beautiful color combination: black metallic (Onyx Black) on the outside, cognac-colored leather on the inside. It is located in the Gooi (where else?), with a provider of more exclusive stuff, but unfortunately no warranty is mentioned and that with such a price… It is clear that this car received a new clutch at the end of 2021. The appearance is thoroughly British: classic lines and a civilized, yet muscular appearance. The hood is open in 18 seconds and you can enjoy the naturally aspirated 4.3 V8. At low revs the power source stays in the background, but from around 4,000 rpm it really roars. Enter the tunnel, switch to a lower gear and step on the gas towards 7,500 rpm. Goosebumps! Then this occasion is a real James Bond that packs a punch.

Here and there we see a few pieces of plastic in the comfortable and luxurious interior, but mainly beautiful materials have been used and the finish is careful. Two people have enough space, but it is a pity that the roof construction takes up a lot of luggage space: only 145 liters remain. We are not talking about the operating costs (think of an average of 1 in 6.6 and insurance premiums): plenty of money. A sturdy (grip, build quality) top-class car in every respect that will never become ordinary.

Signaling

Brand Aston Martin
Type V8 Vantage Roadster Sportshift
Construction year September 2007
Mileage 107,825
Asking price €57,500
Where to buy? Car Villa, Naarden

Technical data

Engine V8, 4,280 cc
Max. assets 283 kW/380 hp at 7,300 rpm
Max. couple 410 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Luggage compartment 145 l
Max. trailer braked nb
Avg. consumption 1:6.6
0-100 km/h 5.0 s
Top speed 280 km/h

Bentley Arnage T – 2005 – 66,327 kilometers – €59,950

If the above-mentioned Aston Martin is too small for you, for example because you have a family, then a luxury sedan is the obvious choice. If you think a Rolls-Royce is too flashy and the Maybach is too Mercedes-Benz, then you are left with the Bentley. What to think of this gray Bentley Arnage: modest luxury and power, because the classic 6.75 V8 has been given two turbos in this T. And believe it or not: its performance is not that inferior to the Vantage, despite its weight of almost 2.5 tons. Gas station owners, the government and insurers are happy with you, but you know that when you purchase such a top limo.

Because above all, the Arnage is a salon on wheels: precious leather, wood and other noble materials as far as the eye can see (the headliner is also covered in leather). The dashboard with its many chrome clocks is a feast for the eyes, the engine at full throttle is a feast for the ears. Bathed in luxury, you travel to mundane places in complete relaxation. Are you really in a hurry? Then know that the chassis has been adapted to the enormous potential (875 Nm of torque). Agreed, you notice that you are on the road with a large and heavy four-wheeler, but the sturdy rubber plus the traction system keep things in line surprisingly well. As long as you don’t take too wild actions, it even turns corners in an almost sporty manner. But if you exaggerate, the electronics intervene quite abruptly and that is less suitable for this occasion that exudes nobility from all its pores. On the other hand: the model name Arnage refers to a corner combination in the Le Mans circuit, which is of course a direct reference to the many successes that the British brand experienced there. In contrast to the Vantage provider, there is talk of a warranty here: an additional charge applies.

Signaling

Brand Bentley
Type Arnage T
Construction year April 2005
Mileage 66,327
Asking price €59,950
Where to buy? Ibalo Sportscars BV, Goor

Technical data

Engine V8, 6,750 cc, twin turbo
Max. assets 336 kW/457 hp at 4,000 rpm
Max. couple 875 Nm at 3,250 rpm
Luggage compartment 374 l
Max. trailer braked nb
Avg. consumption 1:4.9
0-100 km/h 5.8 sec
Top speed 270 km/h

Morgan Plus 8 – 1994 – 42,184 kilometers – €59,950

What else can be bought in the exclusive class for around 50 or 60 grand? Donkervoort, Excalibur, Morgan… Hey, Morgan! We’ll include that too. This time we are portraying three British cars in Opzoek Naar, which is no mean feat these days. Many British brands have now come to an end, but little Morgan weathered all storms. Perhaps by staying as close to itself as possible and retaining the romance of the original driving experience. You can see that: flowing fenders, a long hood with louvres, low-cut doors, spare wheel on the back, often beautiful wire-spoke rims (unfortunately not on this Morgan Plus 8) … All that on a frame of Belgian ash wood, as has been the case with four-wheelers since 1936. was commonplace.

As the builders themselves say: “The car they forgot to stop making!” Driving a Morgan you will more often be treated positively than in a Vantage or Arnage, but there is something in return. Or better said: nothing, because comfort is conspicuous by its absence. A rigid rear axle in combination with leaf springs and an unforgiving spring/damper combination ensures that when you drive over a coin, you feel whether it is heads or tails… If you are tall, you act as a wind deflector (small windshield), luggage space is barely in stock (although the Vantage only offers 5 liters more)… But imagine taking a drive through the Scottish Highlands with this beautiful blue metallic Dutch car. Or the Alps. Or closer: Eifel, Ardennes, Sauerland… One with your roadster, the road and the elements. A loyal group of ‘Morganists’ maintains that tradition, so very often Morgans are not offered. The HF-PB-30 is now 30 years old, but still has to fetch a good amount (no word about warranty here either). That makes purchasing a Morgan the most financially attractive of this trio.

Signaling

Brand Morgan
Type Plus 8
Construction year January 1994
Mileage 42,184
Asking price €59,950
Where to buy? Automobielhuys Misker, New Amsterdam

Technical data
Engine V8, 3,946 cc
Max. assets 140 kW/190 hp at 4,750 rpm
Max. couple 312 Nm at 2,600 rpm
Luggage compartment 140 l
Max. trailer braked nb
Avg. consumption 1:7.8
0-100 km/h 6.0 s
Top speed 200 km/h

What is your dream car already?Can you spend around 50 to 60 grand?

Dreams are deception, Marco Borsato once sang, but dreams are allowed. Beautiful cars, for example. We went out with 60 grand and came home with these three Brits. But what would your dream car be if you could spend such an amount and not have to worry about the operating costs for the time being? One of the models portrayed? Or from one of the brands mentioned (including Donkervoort, Maserati, Porsche or Lotus, for example). Perhaps your preference lies elsewhere, for example a camper or a classic/oldtimer. Let us know! And we? Maybe we will buy a King’s Day ticket after all…