Both Italian and British automakers are known for their timeless design language, quirkiness and their ability to drive you crazy with happiness. These Sports car may not be the most reliable of the bunch, but this mistake is overlooked because the cars of these two nations deserve nothing but unconditional love. And if you’re like the rest of us, you’ve always longed to have one available. The time to buy is now! Topless Italians and curvy British (yes, we’re still talking about cars) are more affordable than ever. It has never been easier to get hold of a gem for a fraction of the price.
10
Fiat X1 / 9 ($ 15,000)
Via: Petrolicious
Designed by the legendary Bertone, this mid-engined sports car is the definition of beauty. The small Fiat, similar to a motorboat, was powered by either a 1.3 or 1.5 liter engine. The engine only makes a measly 84 hp, but due to the 900 kg curb weight, the X1 / 9 is anything but boring.
Via: car and classic
Despite the 15 seconds 0-60 time, the Fiat was dubbed the Mini Ferrari by critics in the 1970s because of its sexy looks and insane driving behavior. The value of the models is steadily increasing, but a good Fiat X1 / 9 example is still available around the $ 15,000 mark.
9
Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce ($ 10,000)
An Italian masterpiece. Alfa Romeo is one of the most acclaimed automakers in the world. Alfa introduced its 1750 Spider Veloce back in the 1960s. It boasted a 4 bang that sent up to 116 horses to the rear wheels and weighed only a ton.
Via: Petrolicious
What the Italian roadster lacks in straight-ahead speed, it makes up for in corners with a lively engine. These beauties came in 4 different versions and their value will skyrocket over time
8th
Maserati Spyder ($ 25,000)
An affordable Maserati? Hell yes! Apart from the maintenance costs, of course … Maserati was bought by Ferrari in the early 2000s. And so the 4200GT Spyder was born. The Italian 4.2-liter V8 had 385 horsepower, had the iconic Ferrari F1 automated manual transmission and a delicious exhaust note.
The beautiful Ferrari-Maserati hybrid handled like no other and you felt more confident with your racing car driving skills, according to former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond.
7th
Ferrari Mondial Roadster
A topless Ferrari for only 1/8 of a new 488 Roadster – we have to say more. The Ferrari Mondial initially received a lot of criticism for its bland styling and overwhelming performance, but it has matured and become more attractive as it ages. And there’s more good news – it’s still a Ferrari!
Via: YouTube
Inside the Mondial there was a naturally aspirated V8 engine and the power could be converted via a 5-speed manual transmission. After all … you could drive a beautiful Mondial like this for exactly $ 35,000.
6th
Abarth 500C
Street: Evo
Here is the recipe for the perfect hot hatch: Small but powerful engine, brisk driving dynamics, manual transmission, the weight of a giant bird and orgasmic exhaust noises. Mix these all together in an Italian saucepan and you have the Abarth 500 or 500C.
Via: coach
The C in the 500C symbolizes convertible. And who would have thought that a topless hot hatch is so exhilarating to drive – and cheap. Examples like this are undoubtedly becoming modern classics.
5
Jaguar XJS
The XJS must have the best dollar-to-cylinder ratio of any car to exist. The elongated British Grand Tourer hides a gigantic 5.3-liter V12 (that’s about $ 1,000 per cylinder) under its huge hood.
motorious.com
The 300 hp weighs as much as a boat and accelerates the Jag to 60 miles per hour in just 7 and a half seconds. For every kilometer that you cover in the luxurious but sporty Grand Tourer, you will feel superior to everyone else on the road and all eyes will be on you.
4th
MG TF
A British Miata, some would say. After MG made the transition to Chinese ownership, the iconic TF experienced a revival. With an almost identical design since 1995, the timeless appearance of the TF will never age. Whether you opt for the 110 hp 1.6- or 157 hp 1.8-liter engine, fun always comes first with the MG.
With retuned suspension that gives the driver a more comfortable ride while cornering with ease, you get the best of both worlds. Reliability and interior design are the TF’s Achilles heel, but the little Brit is well worth the sacrifice.
3rd
Triumph TR6
Triumph was Brittian’s epitome of sports car manufacturers. The attitude of the TR6 is somewhere between challenging and entertaining. Powered by a 2.5-liter in-line 6 with 150 hp, the MG has a 0-60 time of 8 seconds and a top speed of just below average 200 km / h. We know 8 seconds sounds pretty disappointing, but there is a secret behind it …
Via: Simon Cars
The 6-cylinder engine is naturally aspirated, which means that power is developed without delay. If you are in the mood for spirited driving and down the B-roads in the classic way, the Triumph TR6 is the key to making your dream come true.
2
Jaguar XKR
wikipedia.org
A sexy supercharged cat, with a seductive growl from the exhaust. Powered by a 5.0 liter V8 supercharger capable of up to 550 British horses. Once tamed, the jag will take you to your destination in sheer bliss, but step on your foot … and this jaguar won’t play.
via Jaguarforums.com
0-60 in 4.5 seconds while waking everyone around you. To this day, the XKR has been lauded for its ability to give its competitors a decent spanking at a much cheaper price. Expensive to maintain, of course, but what a cheerful British muscle car it is.
1
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
We never thought the day would come when the word affordable and Aston Martin would fit in the same sentence, but here we are. The Vantage was Aston Martin’s attempt to unsettle the GT market – and they did.
via CarPixel
Initially, the Vantage lived in a massive 4.7-liter V8 that sent up to 430 horsepower to the rear wheels and made its rivals nervous. At some point a V12 made its way into the line-up, but that’s a bit too expensive for this list. The V8 engine is more than adequate and will never let you down. Here’s a gorgeous V8 Vantage that sells for just $ 32,499.
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Marnus Moolman
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