The Cream Of The Crop: Supercars For £50K

We’ve all fantasised about cruising into the sunset in our own Ferrari, Lamborghini or Aston Martin – for many people, it’s simply part of the lottery win dream. But look at the numbers and fulfilling that dream is closer than you’d think. If you’re prepared to live without it being factory fresh, you can have a genuine slice of exotica for less than a mid-range Audi A6 – and thanks to the reality of them being depreciation-free from now on, overall ownership costs will be surprisingly low.

These cars are sensational because they’re amazing to drive, and far more interesting than more ordinary sports cars. The Ferrari F360, Lamborghini Gallardo and Aston Martin DB9 were the ‘it’ cars of their day and with the very real prospect of them going up in value, they are currently shrewd buys.

That’s why they don’t hang around very long in showrooms. Collectors are already getting misty-eyed for the next generation of classic supercars, so prices are rising.

Owning one isn’t cheap, though, thanks to general running and unexpected repair costs. But buy smart, buy now, use sparingly and sell when the time is right, and you could enjoy a life-enhancing drive without losing your investment.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante

The DB9 was the car that relaunched Aston Martin as a global force in 2003, and the open-topped Volante of 2004 added even more appeal. Now, for less than £50,000 you could buy a DB9 Volante that feels almost factory fresh and is guaranteed to turn heads.

Some enthusiasts worry about reliability, and the DB9 Volante – perhaps unfairly – has gained a reputation for unreliability. Online forums are full of jokes that equate AM with the AA. But the reality is different. While the DB9 Volante was undoubtedly a giant leap forward in terms of structural integrity thanks to Aston Martin’s new aluminium VH platform, some early problems with oil leaks and electrical gremlins meant the ‘unreliable’ tag stuck.

Why you want one
The DB9 Volante is arguably the company’s finest car for generations. It survived a full 11 years of production and still hasn’t been replaced properly. It’s that good. There’s a groundswell of good feeling towards Aston Martin – people let you out at junctions, for a start! Compare and contrast that with the reaction you’ll get in a Ferrari 360. OK, it isn’t as obvious a supercar as the Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but it’s a stunning convertible that makes you feel like a million dollars.

What to look for
Corrosion: Look closely around the door handles – if there’s corrosion then that’s where it will rear its ugly head first.

Coil packs: If the engine is running slightly rough when it’s cold, the coil pack might be on the way out. Alan says: ‘We can narrow it down to the bank of cylinders, but the standard procedure is to replace all the packs when one goes down. This will add £1500 to the price of your purchase, so listen carefully for misfires.’

Gearbox: The DB9 received a new hydraulic control box in 2008 that meant smoother slow-speed progress, so it’s worth finding a post-58 plate car.

Oil leaks: Early cars were especially prone to oil leaks in the transmission, and fixing this could be an expensive job. Find a car that is properly sealed in the first place.

Lights Water: ingress happens over time and, if it occurs, you’ll need a new lens at £800. Condensation is not something to ignore.

Bushes: It’s a big, heavy car and it eats bushes if it’s been driven hard. There is no such thing as a cheap fix with the DB9, so watch out for worn suspension when you take it for a test run.

Full manufacturer service history: It’s a peace of mind thing, and although Aston Martin did not slip as many running modifications under the radar as the Italians, it still happened.

Special colours: If you’re thinking about resale then stick to the basics. Black, grey, silver and blue are the easiest cars to move on when you’ve had your fun, followed by British Racing Green. There are a few DB9s in bespoke one-off colours, but don’t be tempted. They will they be harder to sell and more expensive to repair.

Full service history: This will always add peace of mind if you’re concerned about future reliability and maximising values. Aston Martin has issued five major UK recalls – buying a fully-ramped and stamped car guarantees this work will have been done.

Investment

The DB9 is the most affordable and numerous of our three, and the Volante is the modern classic we’d tip for good long-term growth. It’s not just the V12 and the stylish looks that make it so desirable, but it’s also the smart buy because traditionally, rarer open-topped Aston Martins are the most sought after by collectors. Values of good early Volantes will remain firm if interest in ‘the world’s coolest brand’ remains as high as it does right now.

Browse Aston Martin DB9 Volantes for sale

Ferrari 360 Modena

If there is a thoroughbred racehorse out of this threesome, without doubt it’s the Ferrari 360 Modena. It’s a pure driver’s car – it has a mid-engined layout, a shrieking 3.6-litre V8 delivering a mighty 394bhp at a heady 8500rpm and handling to make you swoon. About £45,000 is the starting point for a 40,000-mile-plus coupé (2002-‘03) with history or an older (2001-‘02) Spider.

At launch, the 360 was one of the flag-bearers for Ferrari’s new high-tech approach to performance, making use of an F1-style semi-automatic gearbox and lightweight aluminium construction. The 360 Modena has proved surprisingly robust and it’s one of the cheapest Ferraris to run, providing you start with a good example.

Why you want one
The Ferrari 360 Modena faced the tough task of replacing the wonderful F355. But it marked a new chapter in Ferrari’s history and a whole new high-tech direction for the Italian marque. With looks that are ageing well, a superb specialist network and rising values, the 360 Modena is a great modern classic that appeals on a rational level, as well as tugging at the heartstrings.

What to look for
Suspension condition: Wear and tear will reveal if the car has been taken out in the rain, salt, sleet and snow, or if it has spent its winters in the garage under a blanket. It’s just an indicator, but condition will help you make an informed decision.’

Recent cambelt change: Ferrari recommends the cambelt is changed every three years or 31,250 miles. It costs £1500+ VAT at Bob Houghton’s, so checking it is worthwhile.

Corrosion: Did you think the aluminium construction meant you wouldn’t have to worry? Aluminium doesn’t rust, but it does oxidise, and that amounts to the same thing. Look closely around the side repeater lamps and even on the nose of the early cars for signs that the body needs work.

Worn rose joints: These are known to wear down too quickly. A big clue is a knocking noise in the suspension. It will cost you £450 a corner to put right, and there are four joints on the front end.

Full main dealer service history: Minor faults were fixed as a part of the service rather than in a factory recall, so if your car has always gone to a main dealer it will be up to date on its upgrades.

Investment

Ferrari 360 Modenas for £50,000 are disappearing fast, not only because they tend to be snapped up quickly from dealers, but also because of the ‘Ferrari’ inflationary effect on values. There is no sign of investors’ obsession with Ferrari waning, so following market precedents you can anticipate the 360 Modena will rise strongly, with the Spiders worth 10% more.

View Ferrari 360 Modenas for sale

Lamborghini Gallardo

This was Lamborghini’s first mass-market car, with more than 2000 units a year finding a home. Audi’s influence was strong in this one and was a sign that the Italian marque was getting serious – or losing its distinctive mojo, depending on your point of view.

But it put the company back in the black and arguably saved Lamborghini as an automobile manufacturer. The Gallardo is fast, lairy and has cutting-edge styling that makes an impact even today. Its V10 heart sounds like nothing else. Residual values are high and you might have to compromise on miles or even take a left-hand drive model to slip more readily into your £50k budget.

Why you want one
It’s arguably Lamborghini’s best car ever, as it’s one even an average driver can exploit relatively easily, thanks to the added safety of four-wheel drive. That makes it an eminently usable modern classic, with an added ‘look at me’ factor.

It’s tough, it’s rough and it’s fun, but it’s just about sane enough to be put on the open road on a regular basis. And that might just make it the greatest all-year-round Lamborghini, which earns it a place on the Modern Classics bucket list.

What to look for
Corrosion: Both the suspension and behind the B-pillar are prone to corrosion. Buy a clean car that has been pampered in the first instance, not one that has led a hard life.

Moisture: The headlights are prone to water ingress and so are the ignition coils, so avoid a car that’s holding water.

Hydraulics: The Gallardo’s hydraulic systems are weak, so check the power steering system is tight and feels ‘right’. If not, it could be a case of new lines and a major service before you even start. Also check the front-end lifter – if this neat and optional kit to raise the nose is fitted, make sure it works smoothly with no glitches.

Clutch: The E-gear was a well-known clutch killer, so check for wear. Any main dealer will be able to plug in a laptop and measure the wear – if it’s more than 60%, a new one may be due. Lamborghini upgraded the clutch, so check to see if it’s been fixed.

Oil leaks: The engine is prone to oil leaks. Check very carefully and be prepared to walk away from even a spot of oil.

Bodywork: The aluminium panels are easily dented and sometimes poorly repaired. Check the lines from every angle to make sure that any minor dings have been treated properly or you could pay a price when you come to resell the car.

Exhaust: The Gallardo is a loud car, but if yours is too loud then the exhaust valves might be stuck open. A common but costly fix.

Full service history: Lamborghini took care of a number of small niggles during routine services rather than issuing recalls, so you need to be scrupulous in checking that these were completed.

Investment

Since 2010, Lamborghini values have been rising strongly. Younger cars are being sucked into the classic universe, meaning if you want a Gallardo, act now. Even the earliest Gallardos are appreciating, perhaps because buyers aren’t as scared of running one now than they might have been 10 years ago – all thanks to Audi’s quality improvements. The less common Spyder (161 vs 332 examples in the UK) is definitely the one to keep.

Search Lamborghini Gallardos for sale

The Modern Classics view
Each of these cars is brilliant in its own way. They are very different beasts and you could easily make a case for owning any of them.

The Lamborghini Gallardo will satisfy your inner thug. It’s loutish, brutish and everybody will point at you and stare. It looks amazing, sounds awesome and has masses of modern classic appeal.

The Ferrari 360 Modena is the finest driver’s car here and will rise in value most quickly in the short term. It’s will send an electric buzz down your spine every time you hit 8000rpm and it will get you up early on a Sunday morning just to go for a blast. It’s another sure-fire modern classic. This and the Gallardo can eat clutches if you go for the semi-autos, so tread carefully, or build a slush fund.

Of the three, the Aston Martin DB9 Volante has the biggest feelgood factor and it’s also the Modern Classics £50K supercar of choice.

Quite simply, the DB9 Volante makes you smile every time you fire it up, thanks to that cheeky pre-programmed throttle blip that serves to remind you of its epic V12. It drives well, sounds amazing, and is easily the most beautiful with its hood down.

Published in Modern Classics magazine