What Car ?

Difficult without an age criteria, but either a 981 GTS or it has to be a V8, so in no particular order:

R8
C63
Mustang
Vantage
Granturismo

If it has to be a daily driver then it needs to have a modicum of practicality - so no Caterhams for example.

Lexus RC-F (in V8 flavour) or Mustang.
I presume you wouldn't want an F-Type, how about a Nissan 370Z or a Supra, if the latter is within budget.
Maserati Granturismo, Porsche 928 (there's 3 on AT in the price range)

I was very much in this search range recently, though likely adding 4-seats as a requirement, (but I've changed tack for a while at least). The daily driver and mileage aspect would put me off some of the older more exotic/classic options as much as I like them.

That said things I was looking at (include some already mentioned):

Maserati Granturismo (2013/14 facelift should be smack in budget) - was high up the list although as an everyday driver some potential for big bills I guess
Lexus RC-F - a sensible but 'interesting' alternative to the typical German options with an epic NA V8 - if you don't mind the looks (and an LC500 is out of budget)
Mustang V8 - Tons in the price range & has some V8 cool factor but limited rear space was an issue for me and I've read a lot of pretty average feedback / reviews (something like a Stinger GTS offers more for less - albeit without the V8 and badge factor)

Something like a late BMW M6 or GC ticks a lot of boxes - you could even get a much newer 8 series for that money (albeit 840i not 'M')

Tons of Merc AMG 63 and BMW M3/4 options though I fail to get excited by any of them which probably means I miss out on objectively great cars but the image (certainly around my way) just puts me off. With that in mind I'd probably take an Audi RS model over the AMG or M options - so RS4/5/6 which tick many boxes.

No age criteria - as long as it meets the specified usage brief.

The caveat being, a £40k Ferrari that is a few miles from a monstrously expensive engine rebuild would hopefully exclude itself in the eyes of a vaguely sensible person.

Alfa Giulia QV. Next.

I do fish in this pond and the answers tend to be
Porsche Cayman 981
Mustang (can just get a Bullitt for under 40K)
F-Type V8 though you know that already
TTRS (Bit of a weapon, if a bit of a blunt one)
M2,M3
C63

Manual Carrera - a little overpriced perhaps but lovely colour and purist spec!:

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307189790615?sort=price-desc&advertising-location=at_cars&colour=Green&make=Porsche&model=911&price-from=35000&price-to=40000&transmission=Manual&zero-to-60=TO_5&fromsra

I think your first decision is whether you want something that is dominated by its engine and drivetrain, or something that is dominated by its chassis and handling.

If you're in the engine/drivetrain camp, then Caymans and 911s would figure high on your list. Obviously I'm biased but I think the Cayman is a lovely car. The 981 models are probably best for the engine although I would say they are less good in subjective areas like steering feel and even looks, compared to the earlier 987 and the later 718.

Other engine-dominated cars would include V8 Mustangs, E46 and E9x M3s, C63 Mercs and B7 Audi RS4s. Once again I am biased towards the E9x M3 which is a proper Jekyll and Hyde car. I've had mine for over 14 years now and it's an excellent allrounder although not what you'd choose just to go for a drive. But it's a practical car, the engine is very special and I am yet to tire of it.

Also consider an FK8 Civic Type R if you can live with the looks. The current Type R (FL5) appears to be a very special thing but is above the top end of the budget. But worth considering.


If you're in the chassis/handling camp then perhaps look at Exiges, Evoras, Alpines. For newer cars, the new GR86 perhaps makes a good case for itself too. Or a Renaultsport hatch from the 2010s: Clio 200 Cup, Megane 275 Cup or Trophy from 2016 or thereabouts?

And once again I am biased and would suggest that a GR Yaris is worth a look if you can get on with the driving/seating position. I really like mine. It has an interesing engine, an interesting mechanical layout, loads of character and it is a hoot to drive fast.

But in truth I would test a few versions of naturally aspirated Cayman and 911 that matched my budget and then buy the one that suited my driving style the most. I think these Porsche models are fantastic to live with and reward you all year round and at all speeds.

Mini Cooper F56 petrol (not an S) 3 door. Classless and a hoot to drive.
Lotus Esprit S2/S3: www.carandclassic.com/car/C1598823
XJC 4.2: www.carandclassic.com/l/C1611984
Triumph TR2. First car I fell in love with.

All can be purchased within the range in good order and will cost as much / less as any new car costs in just regular servicing (F56 aside).

Lotus evora is an option.
As others have mentioned, R8, Vantage, 997, M5 are also good choices.
I did see a Jag Mk11 as well although that’s a tad older. Would probably appreciate over the next few years too.

The Giulia option is a good shout but they are strong money (I guess for a reason) but I’m inclined to agree with the Porsche suggestions when it comes to celebrating the car as I’m sure they strike a near perfect balance between performance, handling and everday usability.

I might need to hand in my petrolhead card but despite trying I still fail to find the Mustang particularly appealing!

I’ve no doubt Harry’s recent R8 manual video sent many people straight to the classifieds, a fabulous looking and sounding machine.

Porsches of all ages just seem to be inordinately expensive, £38k for a 997 Carrera 2 is crackers (imo) and 981s are really punchy price wise.

Of all the BMWs, it’s the M2 I find the most appealing by a substantial margin. I’ve also been thinking about an M140i with the Birds B1 conversion (or some light track prep so I could do the occasional track day and hill climb).

Lotuses (Loti ?), Italian things and Mustangs are not my bag really, but I could see myself in a Yaris GR with a few tweaks ( there is a black one with silver BBS LMs on it near me and it looks epic).

As regards the F-Type, the whole reason for this noodling is because it rather unhelpfully goes out of production next year and I am not mad keen about going double Truckzilla. I am quite keen to acquire mine as its brilliant, but one should always keep ones options open.

I saw an M2 of that colour and vintage for sale not far from my way when idly browsing recently: www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306268963933

Seem to be a fair few comps in budget

Yes must be a manual but I’m not a fan of LBB nor the original wheels, which I don’t care for on an M3/4 either.

The M2 is a top car but I think I’d rather have a Cayman or an F-Type if I also had access to a family truckster. Not sure the non-M bits of the 2-series package is sufficiently special for out and out toy, however daily-used. Whereas if like me the other car is an ageing Fiat 500, then having something more practical obviously makes sense.