Spyker C8 Spyder: Spotted

You could spice up your supercar with some trick bits ... or just get a bonkers one to start with

If there's one thing lacking from certain supercar buyers, it's a bit of imagination. The proliferation of cars like the Ferrari 458 and McLaren 12C means that buyers are forced to plunder the options catalogue (see Dan's weekend wheels) to make their car distinguishable from the apparent mass of similar models.

And if the outside looked crazy...

But if you want an individual supercar, why not begin with a rare and interesting one? We're not suggesting for a second the Spyker is the objective equal of the Ferrari or McLaren, but it does the drama thing a hundred times better. And isn't creating a bit of a stir half the appeal of a supercar anyway?

In a C8 Spyder, you'll not want for attention. It really is unlike anything else on the road, having hints of Aston DB7 from the front and all manner of slats, gills and vents adorning the bodywork. It's not conventionally pretty, but it's distinctive and dramatic. Supercar prerequisites, basically.

The driver even gets a slice of aesthetic theatre, with Spyker's trademark exposed gear linkage and aircraft inspired wheel. There's added interest with this Spyker too as it's a manual, meaning you'll be stirring that beautiful gearstick on a fairly regular basis.

A dealer ad with decent photos? Bonus!

Don't think it's just a laid-back cruiser to plonk in a gear and burble along either. The Audi-sourced V8 revs to 7,500rpm and makes 400hp. With just 1,250kg of all-aluminium Spyker to push along, that makes the C8 rather fast indeed; top speed was claimed at 187mph, and 0-62mph came up in 4.5 seconds. Again, not quick against contemporary supercars, but more than swift enough.

Scissor doors? Check. Made-to-measure luggage? Check. Offensively loud exhaust in an unconventional position? The Spyker has all the supercar criteria checked.

Public perception of supercars remains fascinating. Following Dan in the McLaren on Friday, young lads were laughing and pointing, others looked on inquisitively and there were a few knowing smiles from the roadside. But it was all positive, with no hostility. That's not always the case with certain Italian manufacturers...

Yes, it really is shorter than a Cayman

We'd like to think the rarity of the Spyker would keep the public curious rather than curmudgeonly. Smiling rather than scowling if you will. It's not an offensive thing, plus it's far smaller than the pictures would suggest at 4,185mm long; that's 200mm less than even a Porsche Cayman.

You won't be blocking the road then, unless the Spyker decides to make you resemble A Massive Idiot. The clutch is heavy and the non-servoed brakes need stamping on; both are great for a sense of involvement but are far from ideal if onlookers are present.

Still, that's all part of the fun, right? And one thing's fairly guaranteed with the Spyker, you're unlikely to see another any day soon. That could be worth the £110,000 by itself.

SPYKER C8 SPYDER
Engine: 4,172cc V8
Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 355@7,500rpm
MPG: 24.3 (C8 Aileron)
CO2: 294g/km (C8 Aileron)
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 10,000
Price new: £188,000
Yours for: £109,995

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lindrup119

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