6 bargain V8 drop-tops for less than £15k

Get the wind in your hair without breaking the bank

There’s just something about the V8. You can get fast flat-sixes, plucky four-pots and thrumming V12s, but there’s nothing quite like the vibrant sound and torquey power of the V8.

And there’s really only one way to enjoy a V8: on the open road with the top down, wind in your hair and hundreds of horses galloping beneath the bonnet.

Good news! While V8 drop-tops have long been pricey options, it’s now possible to pick up respectable runners for less than the cost of a new Vauxhall Corsa.

Here are six bargain V8 convertibles you can get for less than £15k.

Jaguar XKR Convertible

Price range: £8000 – 25,000

First up is the Jaguar XKR. Unveiled in Geneva in 1998, it continued the XK8’s stylish evocation of the E-type, while also delivering a raft of improvements – most notably under the bonnet. The XK8’s 4-litre V8 was thrown out in favour of the ballistic, supercharged version from the XJR saloon, upping power to 370bhp and slashing the 0-60mph dash from 6.6 seconds to just 5.3. Top speed was improved, too, to 155mph – in line with its electronically limited German rivals.

Jaguar XKR Convertible (cont.)

Despite the sporting bent – signalled by the mesh in its mouth and two sets of bonnet louvres to aid cooling – the focus was still luxury. Climb inside an XKR and you’ll find cosseting leather seats, a high seating position and a cockpit that harks back to an earlier time – all of which points to the XKR’s status as a consummate cruiser. With waves of torque at its disposal, it’ll lap up motorway miles. That said, floor the throttle and you’ll be rewarded by a booming chorus from the quad-pipe exhaust.

Jaguar XKR Convertible (cont.)

What should you pay for one today? Prices range from £8000 to £25,000 depending on age, mileage and service history. Go below £6k and you’re gambling, but it’s still possible to pick up a decent runner around the £10k mark – just keep an eye out for slow starting, which can indicate poor compression, and be sure to inspect the rear tyres for uneven wear, which can point to tired suspension.

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Price range: £14,000 – 30,000

Launched in 2002, the now-legendary, AMG-tuned SL55 derives a hefty 493bhp from its supercharged 5.4-litre V8. Restricted to 155mph in the UK, it was rumoured to be good for 200mph when unfettered. Sweep through bends and its electronically controlled suspension rarely fails to keep things planted, delivering its power in a predictable but lively way. Truly boot it, mind, and the Merc’s indecent levels of torque will launch you forwards, the needle rushing up the speedo to a backdrop of V8 hammer blows.

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (cont.)

Whether cruising the autobahn or pushing it on rural roads, the AMG with the top down is a lovely place to be – particularly with a cabin layout that just works. It might not be as sumptuous as the XKR, but everything from the paddles to the centre console are well-positioned and ergonomic, while electronic tricks – including heated/cooled seats – add to the appeal. It’s also easily the best-looking of our selection, we think, particularly with the hard-top closed.

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (cont.)

Fancy yourself a slice of convertible German might? Age isn’t your primary concern here. With supercar power under the hood, it’s mileage and condition that you should focus on. Anything above the £14,000 mark should bag you a well-specced SL55 with a low odometer reading – though there’s no harm in stretching to a few grand more. The only real sticking point to watch for is the complex roof mechanism: the electric motor can fail if water gets in.

Maserati 4200 Spyder

Price range: £15,000 – 30,000

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, the 4200 Spyder was designed to target the American market – and we have emissions regulations in the States to thank for the lighter, more powerful 4.2-litre Ferrari V8 that replaced the intended 3.2-litre turbo. Peak power might not match that of the mighty Merc, but lightning-fast throttle response and frenetic delivery mean that wheelspin is just a dab away. Sure, it’s not always predictable, but it certainly encourages you to attack every corner.

Maserati 4200 Spyder (cont.)

Definitely the sportiest of the bunch, it’s doubtless a grand tourer – but it also enjoys a lightness and sharpness that eclipses the others. That Ferrari connection never feels far away, either, especially when the V8 is screaming at full chat. Yes, the styling might be divisive – it’s either muscular or dumpy, depending how you look at it – but the 4200 Spyder is a likeable, responsive machine that’ll give you a great ratio of smiles-per-pound.

Maserati 4200 Spyder (cont.)

£15k is now the minimum you’ll need to spend for a sound Spyder, with many edging closer to £20,000. Whatever you spend, it’s best to insist on a full service history – and be aware that the electrics are typically Italian: look out for warning lights and check everything works, particularly the windows and hood, which can be slow when they’re failing. The good news is that some parts can be sourced from other makes – such as the transmission pump, which you can get from an Alfa for less.

BMW 645Ci

Price range: £3000 – 10,000

The launched of the E63/E64 in 2003 heralded the return of a much-loved BMW name not seen in 14 years: the 6 Series. Harbouring a 4.4-litre V8 in a lightweight shell, the 330bhp 645Ci was the first to arrive – and the capable cruiser could do the 0-60 drag in 5.4 seconds, making it a genuine alternative to its Mercedes contemporaries. A convertible version followed in 2004, yielding a novel fabric roof and separate glass panel, which doubled up as a deft wind deflector.

BMW 645Ci (cont.)

Opting for fabric over hard-top saved further weight without surrendering to road noise and, with the top fully dropped, you’ll find the 645Ci offers plenty of pace. There is, sadly, a lack of road feel, with disconnected handling and cornering, but there’s no denying that, once it gets going, the 645Ci has oomph. You might not love the Chris Bangle ‘flame-surfacing’ styling, nor the iDrive-centric dashboard, but there’s certainly a sense of luxury inside and, at pace, it’s a very comfortable place to be.

BMW 645Ci (cont.)

You’ll find most 645Ci examples carry automatic gearboxes, which is no bad thing. Prices start at £3k for older models, but the sweet spot is between £6k and £7k for low-mileage cabriolets. That clever roof can be troublesome and the V8 is known to be thirsty on oil, so it’s worth checking seals, hoses and the like before you lay down your hard-earned cash – particularly as the engine runs at high pressure. And remember, with a car like this you’re paying a premium for style.

Lexus SC430

Price range: £4000 – 12,000

Often seen as a poor man’s Mercedes, the Lexus SC430 certainly isn’t the most beautiful convertible in this list – but it does have one killer ingredient that makes it a worthy contender today: a naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Good for 282bhp, that block makes the SC430 quite handy on the road. It’s capable of hitting 60mph from a standing start in a respectable 6.2 seconds.

Lexus SC430 (cont.)

Give the Lexus time to drop its folding hardtop (it’s not fast) and you’ll find it has plenty of power to get your hair whipping. The engine is still relatively quiet and refined, mind. Inside, you’ll find find lashings of leather and wood trim, with the well-appointed cabin stacked with gadgets – think automatic climate control, heated seats and even a touchscreen sat-nav (albeit a very dated one) – making the SC430 quite an appealing package.

Lexus SC430 (cont.)

Fancy one? High-mileage early runners can be found for as little as £3K, but you’ll want to do a full inspection before parting with your cash, paying close attention to the radiator, starter motor and suspension. Prices rise as models get younger, with the sweet spot around the £8k mark, for which you should be able to get a well-serviced example with less than 80,000 miles on the clock.

Chevrolet Corvette C5

Price range: £13,000 – 20,000

Think you can live with left-hand drive? Then a C5 Corvette offers true bang for buck when it comes to performance. Yes, the technology is outmoded – think overhead valves and leaf spring suspension – but the C5 remains a remarkable performer. Its mighty 5.7-litre V8 engine – good for 345bhp – means it’ll catapult to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and, in the right conditions, all the way on past 170mph.

Chevrolet Corvette C5 (cont.)

For all that the motor is a true workhorse, many will find the interior woefully unrefined. From shonky controls to a trim that rarely holds up well, cabin build clearly wasn’t high up the list of priorities when it came to Corvette construction. Similarly, the stiffness of the ride can leave a lot to be desired. But if you buy a Corvette there’s only one thing you’re really thinking about – and you get a lot of it: power.

Chevrolet Corvette C5 (cont.)

Built between 1997 and 2004, the C5 remains an affordable entry point into Corvette ownership – and decent reliability means a well-maintained example shouldn’t come back to bite you. You’ll have to look hard for one in the UK, but it’s possible to find convertible C5s in good condition around the £15k mark – though pristine examples will set you back closer to £20,000.