What 4 cars for your dream "road trip" (£500k budget)?
Discussion
After 25 years of trying, you recently won £5 million on the National Lottery (hypothetically). You wanted to keep your win low key and only shared it with your nearest and dearest, so you’re still living in your 4 bedroom suburban semi, driving the same car as before and still going to work as normal. You have however purchased a rustic £2 million property in The Cotswolds which you plan to move into long-term and the property comes with a detached 4 car garage. On a whim you have booked a week in a luxury villa on the shore of Lake Como and wanting to share your new found fortune with your 3 best friends who have stood by you through some difficult times have decided to invite them and their families too but you need 4 vehicles to get you there in style, which can accommodate luggage and people. You would prefer 4 seaters/2+2s, as after the trip they will be your vehicles and you want to be able to enjoy them with your family (wife and 2 kids) and still get some decent use out of them, so ideally not cars that you can’t see yourself using outside the scope of the trip. You and your friends are all “car mad” so plan to give yourself an extra week to get there and an extra week to get back so that you can tour and take in some scenery including some mountain passes and some derestricted Autobahns. 2 of your friends are married with 2 children and the other has a partner but no children, so one of the cars could potentially be a 2 seater but still needs to have space for their luggage and you may want to swap vehicles throughout the trip, so rear seats would be a bonus. Being “sensible” at heart you don’t want to order 4 new supercars and lose a bunch of money in depreciation, so have decided to cap your budget at £500k total for all 4 vehicles. The villa rental comes with the use of 2 Riva Aquarivas, so you don’t have to worry too much about having a vehicle that can transport multiple families once you’re in Lake Como. No EVs or anything with less than 6 cylinders but you can go modern or classic depending on your preference. What would be your 4 vehicles?
Here's my first attempt.
I’m going to look beyond the usual German stuff (BMW/Mercedes/Porsche/Audi), although did consider an Audi R8 or AMG GT convertible but for me something British or Italian has more of a sense of occasion.
1) You need a V12 Ferrari (but not a Purosangue) and although not the prettiest, the GTC4 Lusso is very cool and quite practical (£150k)
Used FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO V12 2017 for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16903730
2) I know this is going to depreciate heavily but one of them has to be an Aston Martin and I’ve got to have at least one convertible, so I think my child-free friend and his partner would love a DB12 Volante. Would prefer the AM racing green but this black one looks pretty sharp (£220k)
Used Aston Martin DB12 4.0 V8 Volante Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16929452
3) Was a bit torn between a Rolls Royce and a Bentley for this. I used to think that Rolls were a bit “Operation Yewtree” but the Wraith “Black Badge” is a pretty cool thing and perhaps Rolls Royce are cooler and more exclusive now compared to Bentley. It would be a great car for the trip but possibly a bit “much” once I get back to the UK (I’m not sure how often I would use it). An early 2nd gen Bentley Continental GT W12 is sub £100k now, which seems like amazing value but I was always quite partial to a 1st gen facelift V8 in Mulliner spec. It could be a potential future daily driver but possibly still a bit more flash than I’m comfortable with (£60k). Long term, I might prefer an older Continental T but I’ll go with the more modern option for now, as I don’t have much time to “shakedown” an older vehicle.
Used Bentley Continental V8 GT S for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17289473
4) I quite fancied another Italian, (a Maserati Quattroporte 5 Sport GTS or Granturismo possibly)? They are probably 2 of the greatest sounding modern cars and both look fantastic too but Jaguar’s recent hiatus has made me realise how much I love the brand and yet have never owned one. A supercharged XJR has been a car that I’ve always fancied owning and I think is cooler than an M5/E63, even if it’s possibly not quite as good. I concede that an X308/X350/X358 is probably prettier but I really fancy that runout 5 litre Supercharged Jaguar V8 and I still think the X351 XJ’s look cool and offer great value. A car that I would probably quite enjoy running as a potential daily driver and crucially I wouldn’t be disappointed if my friends picked the Aston/Ferrari/Bentley for the trip and left me with the Jag. Not so sure about the red interior (would prefer beige/brown) but this one looks really sharp on the outside in black (£30k).
2017 Black Jaguar XJR 5.0 V8 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr for sale for £28,250 in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405139...
Hopefully the rest of the budget should cover the insurance and fuel for the trip!
So that’s my 4 dream “road trip” cars as it stands, what would your 4 cars be?
Here's my first attempt.
I’m going to look beyond the usual German stuff (BMW/Mercedes/Porsche/Audi), although did consider an Audi R8 or AMG GT convertible but for me something British or Italian has more of a sense of occasion.
1) You need a V12 Ferrari (but not a Purosangue) and although not the prettiest, the GTC4 Lusso is very cool and quite practical (£150k)
Used FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO V12 2017 for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16903730
2) I know this is going to depreciate heavily but one of them has to be an Aston Martin and I’ve got to have at least one convertible, so I think my child-free friend and his partner would love a DB12 Volante. Would prefer the AM racing green but this black one looks pretty sharp (£220k)
Used Aston Martin DB12 4.0 V8 Volante Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16929452
3) Was a bit torn between a Rolls Royce and a Bentley for this. I used to think that Rolls were a bit “Operation Yewtree” but the Wraith “Black Badge” is a pretty cool thing and perhaps Rolls Royce are cooler and more exclusive now compared to Bentley. It would be a great car for the trip but possibly a bit “much” once I get back to the UK (I’m not sure how often I would use it). An early 2nd gen Bentley Continental GT W12 is sub £100k now, which seems like amazing value but I was always quite partial to a 1st gen facelift V8 in Mulliner spec. It could be a potential future daily driver but possibly still a bit more flash than I’m comfortable with (£60k). Long term, I might prefer an older Continental T but I’ll go with the more modern option for now, as I don’t have much time to “shakedown” an older vehicle.
Used Bentley Continental V8 GT S for sale - PistonHeads UK
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17289473
4) I quite fancied another Italian, (a Maserati Quattroporte 5 Sport GTS or Granturismo possibly)? They are probably 2 of the greatest sounding modern cars and both look fantastic too but Jaguar’s recent hiatus has made me realise how much I love the brand and yet have never owned one. A supercharged XJR has been a car that I’ve always fancied owning and I think is cooler than an M5/E63, even if it’s possibly not quite as good. I concede that an X308/X350/X358 is probably prettier but I really fancy that runout 5 litre Supercharged Jaguar V8 and I still think the X351 XJ’s look cool and offer great value. A car that I would probably quite enjoy running as a potential daily driver and crucially I wouldn’t be disappointed if my friends picked the Aston/Ferrari/Bentley for the trip and left me with the Jag. Not so sure about the red interior (would prefer beige/brown) but this one looks really sharp on the outside in black (£30k).
2017 Black Jaguar XJR 5.0 V8 Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr for sale for £28,250 in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405139...
Hopefully the rest of the budget should cover the insurance and fuel for the trip!
So that’s my 4 dream “road trip” cars as it stands, what would your 4 cars be?
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 6th December 22:08
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 6th December 22:09
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 6th December 22:11
Edited by white_goodman on Friday 6th December 22:12
If I'm keeping the cars afterwards, it's got to be an Alpina B5 Touring, as I wouldn't be without it. Same goes for the Evora.
I think maybe one of my friends would like an Exige Cup. Amazing how light you can pack when you need to.
That gives me over 400k left as I already have two of the cars, meaning that LFA with the vile interior is in budget, I think.
I think maybe one of my friends would like an Exige Cup. Amazing how light you can pack when you need to.
That gives me over 400k left as I already have two of the cars, meaning that LFA with the vile interior is in budget, I think.
sherman said:
biggbn said:
Ah, I had missed the cylinder requiremt, that scuppers my 2cv Van with the bike engine!
2 Hyabusa engines in the back of the van, 4 wheel drive and you still have space under the bonnet for groceries. For me its about events and what different roles you want you cars to perform
1 - rugged duties inc. bin emptying and dog walks, fun in the winter, mud or snow, tow real cars etc… i hate 4 x 4s / suvs but it has to be said they suit this well, so we got a late V8 l405 FF Rangey, almost a sport but the amount of times the extra loading height has come in useful, i’m glad we didnt
2 - supercar events, has to be V12 for me, anything else is an imposter, Aventador or any of the other flagship V12 tbh but the older ones are less reliable and they’d fall into my other needed category ‘classic’
3 - GT car for long euro trips, can take luggage but roof must come down so most likely back seats needed to, V12 is a bonus on this so DB12 was out, hence the DBS Superleggera
4 - track car must be reliable, comfy to get to track, as quick as a gt3 but not a gt3, so bought the AMG GTC/R, bloody perfect car! stage 1 and whoops gt3s, love a wolf in sheeps clothing
5 - classic car for rallys etc, gorgeous to look at, comfy timeless ride quality, reliable and appreciating in value to set off other car interests , 1968 28-se cabriolet
Yeah, i know, cant count, also a bit over 500k for those 5 of mine but they are absolutely perfect, the other couple flounder a bit actually so probably going..
1 - rugged duties inc. bin emptying and dog walks, fun in the winter, mud or snow, tow real cars etc… i hate 4 x 4s / suvs but it has to be said they suit this well, so we got a late V8 l405 FF Rangey, almost a sport but the amount of times the extra loading height has come in useful, i’m glad we didnt
2 - supercar events, has to be V12 for me, anything else is an imposter, Aventador or any of the other flagship V12 tbh but the older ones are less reliable and they’d fall into my other needed category ‘classic’
3 - GT car for long euro trips, can take luggage but roof must come down so most likely back seats needed to, V12 is a bonus on this so DB12 was out, hence the DBS Superleggera
4 - track car must be reliable, comfy to get to track, as quick as a gt3 but not a gt3, so bought the AMG GTC/R, bloody perfect car! stage 1 and whoops gt3s, love a wolf in sheeps clothing
5 - classic car for rallys etc, gorgeous to look at, comfy timeless ride quality, reliable and appreciating in value to set off other car interests , 1968 28-se cabriolet
Yeah, i know, cant count, also a bit over 500k for those 5 of mine but they are absolutely perfect, the other couple flounder a bit actually so probably going..
I would consider a blend of rare classics and one modern masterpiece, all with at least four seats or 2+2 layouts. Start with a Ferrari GTC4 Lusso V12, a sublime all-wheel-drive grand tourer that provides the practicality and dependability needed for your trip, typically available around £160k. Complement it with a Lamborghini Jarama S, one of the lesser-known front-engined V12 Lamborghinis with a 2+2 layout—an icon of Seventies eccentricity that can be found around £80k–£100k.
Add a truly rare Iso Fidia, a stylish four-door Italian GT from the Sixties and Seventies powered by a robust American V8, often hovering around £80k–£100k. Finally, complete the set with an Aston Martin Lagonda (Series 2 or later), a wedge-shaped, ultra-luxurious British saloon with a V8, starting around £70k–£100k depending on condition. Each is distinctively exotic, brimming with character, and suitable for both your scenic European tour and long-term enjoyment.
This quartet stands out well beyond the usual German suspects and ensures that you arrive in style wherever you roam. The Lusso gives you modern comfort and performance, while the Jarama, Fidia, and Lagonda provide timeless appeal. Altogether, they should fit within your £500k budget, leaving you with a stable of truly unique cars.
Add a truly rare Iso Fidia, a stylish four-door Italian GT from the Sixties and Seventies powered by a robust American V8, often hovering around £80k–£100k. Finally, complete the set with an Aston Martin Lagonda (Series 2 or later), a wedge-shaped, ultra-luxurious British saloon with a V8, starting around £70k–£100k depending on condition. Each is distinctively exotic, brimming with character, and suitable for both your scenic European tour and long-term enjoyment.
This quartet stands out well beyond the usual German suspects and ensures that you arrive in style wherever you roam. The Lusso gives you modern comfort and performance, while the Jarama, Fidia, and Lagonda provide timeless appeal. Altogether, they should fit within your £500k budget, leaving you with a stable of truly unique cars.
Nothing German seriously limits things, so let’s go full on yank glory.
Cadillac Escalade ESV to haul all the luggage and carry extra people. Massive, and no better road trip vehicle that offers plenty of comfort respite and with up to 8 passengers, plenty of extra sprog carrying capacity allowing some 2 seaters. Also has bluecruise which is legit self driving tech for the long hauls.
Cadillac CT5-V Series Blackwing. 5 seats, 670hp TT V8 with 6MT, RWD, and very tidy handling. A true “new old school” M5 alternative.
C8 Corvette ZR1. 1064 hp. Say no more.
Ford Mustang GTD. 815 hp V8 goodness, rear mounted transaxle, and (projected) sub 7-minute ‘ring time.
That should do it. And such a fleet would no doubt garner a lot of positive attention over the usual Euro alternatives, being such rare left-field choices for the Eurozone.
Cadillac Escalade ESV to haul all the luggage and carry extra people. Massive, and no better road trip vehicle that offers plenty of comfort respite and with up to 8 passengers, plenty of extra sprog carrying capacity allowing some 2 seaters. Also has bluecruise which is legit self driving tech for the long hauls.
Cadillac CT5-V Series Blackwing. 5 seats, 670hp TT V8 with 6MT, RWD, and very tidy handling. A true “new old school” M5 alternative.
C8 Corvette ZR1. 1064 hp. Say no more.
Ford Mustang GTD. 815 hp V8 goodness, rear mounted transaxle, and (projected) sub 7-minute ‘ring time.
That should do it. And such a fleet would no doubt garner a lot of positive attention over the usual Euro alternatives, being such rare left-field choices for the Eurozone.
ks to the criteria, I'll worry about the practical crap when I get home...
OK, so I'll give this another go and try and keep the cylinder count at six or more.
Bentley S1/2 or 3 I guess, but a well used one, one that suggests many trips around various metropoli in the wee small hours....
Citroen SM
Tatra 603
50s Cadillac convertible.
Now, that lot are rolling the dice although I suspect all would be happy rolling along at 80mph turning heads loaded to the gunnels.
If I could take a 'supercar' it would be a Maserati Bora...
Bentley S1/2 or 3 I guess, but a well used one, one that suggests many trips around various metropoli in the wee small hours....
Citroen SM
Tatra 603
50s Cadillac convertible.
Now, that lot are rolling the dice although I suspect all would be happy rolling along at 80mph turning heads loaded to the gunnels.
If I could take a 'supercar' it would be a Maserati Bora...
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