Spotted: '04 Koenigsegg CC8S

Veyron performance for £240,000? It almost sounds like a bargain...

Believe it or not, if you're in the market for a Koenigsegg this is as modestly-priced as they come. An 'entry level' Koenigsegg if you like. Stunning looking thing though, isn't it?

This is one of just eight originally made by the aspirational Swedish firm, who built just two of those eight cars in right hand drive guise. Of course if you wanted to pose in this one around the Riviera then right hand drive isn't what you need, but worry not, the factory will gladly convert it to left hand drive... for another 40,000 Euros.

So we're talking big money here, but with 650bhp on tap there is serious performance to be had too - especially when you consider that this particular CC8S was sent back to the factory and upgraded to the point where it reputedly delivers 802bhp.

Consider also that it weighs around 1175kg and you can see why the vendor describes the performance as 'utterly terrifying - probably quicker than a Veyron'. This isn't hard to imagine given that even before the power output was raised the CC8S had a superior power to weight figure than the Bugatti... And since the motor is based on an American Ford V8, routine servicing can be carried out at most UK motorsport specialists who are familiar with them. (Cough. They all do that sir...)

Running costs are, of course, expensive. This car apparently went back to the factory for its major engine overhaul in 2008 at a cost of 21,000 Euros - which is a lot of money, but in terms of horsepower per pound it's actually not that bad. It has to be said though, that with a total recorded mileage of just 4,400 one can't help but wonder just how often it's going to need such an outlay. Then again, we're talking about hypercars here so that's beside the point - unless of course you're planning a 4,500 mile trip around Europe.

If rarity and exclusivity is your thing then look no further. However if you are willing to sacrifice some of that performance and exclusivity you could always go for something altogether more pedestrian like a Murcielago LP640 Roadster and save yourself £40,00 - which you could spend servicing and running the Lambo' for a few years.

(Yep, when an LP640 becomes your 'practical' option, you know you're doing something right... Ed.)