Cheapest V8 2 seater?

[CM2020]

Inspired by somebody else's thread. Something about it's now or never for a V8. What is the cheapest V8 2 seats sports car? Not really worried much about age. But something which is still a bit quick and is fun would be nice. Must be a manual. Convertible or coupe doesn't matter. Pretty open to anything. Just not a TVR please. And I mean a car which runs.

[samoht]

If you want the extra stipulations of manual and not a TVR, you'd be well advised to put them in the thread title - many people read the title and click in to answer without reading your first post carefully.

Anyway, the answer, somewhat surprisingly, is an Aston Martin, specifically this Vantage at (not surprisingly) Motorhub Keighley for £23k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

However if you're actually buying, I'd start viewing at this private sale on £24k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...


the next option up after the Aston is the Audi R8 from £30k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...


If you accept an auto, the buy-in falls dramatically to £4k for an XK8, or lots of Merc SL500s from £5k. Surprisingly, the "world's worst car", the Lexus SC430, is another £2k on that for the cheapest, presumably on the promise of reliability.

Edited by samoht on Tuesday 7th March 21:36

[CM2020]

samoht said:

If you want the extra stipulations of manual and not a TVR, you'd be well advised to put them in the thread title - many people read the title and click in to answer without reading your first post carefully.

Anyway, the answer, somewhat surprisingly, is an Aston Martin, specifically this Vantage at (not surprisingly) Motorhub Keighley for £23k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

However if you're actually buying, I'd start viewing at this private sale on £24k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...

Thanks. I just tried editing the title but it's not possible. Although my opening post is quite short. So not very troublesome to read.

About the Aston, it can't be the cheapest right? Is a TR8 higher than an Aston already? It doesn't need to be on PH or something newish. I was just wondering what fun is out there to be had, for not a lot of money. Yes, to possibly buy. I had a few thoughts. But curious what I'm not considering.

[Crusoe]

Answer is probably a kit car like a westfield with a rover v8 or similar or something older and american c4 corvette maybe

[deeen]

Crusoe said:

Answer is probably a kit car like a westfield with a rover v8 or similar or something older and american c4 corvette maybe

Yup, there was a Corvette for 12k recently.

[Burgerbob]

You can filter the for sale site to show 2 seater, manual, 8 cylinder cars. Then sort by price.

Cheapest on PH now...

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/14076208

[Crusoe]

Mustang qualify? https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13415022

[CM2020]

I had thought it would possibly be a corvette of some sort. Or something like a TR8 or MG. A Westfield with a V8? That would be a proper weapon. But can't be cheap right? But things like a Mustang is already too big. Hence the 2 seats requirement. Or we may just open it up to barges and then there is I guess not shortage of cheap V8s. But it needs to be a 2 seats, for the fun.

[ChrisH72]

I think I'd drop the manual box and go with something like an slk55.

Big V8's are probably more suited to auto anyway.

If it has to be manual then possibly go for something lighter with a V6 instead. More choice and much cheaper entry costs.

[CM2020]

ChrisH72 said:

I think I'd drop the manual box and go with something like an slk55.

Big V8's are probably more suited to auto anyway.

If it has to be manual then possibly go for something lighter with a V6 instead. More choice and much cheaper entry costs.

You totally lost me with the V8s being more suited to autos comment. Kills half the fun. I think small car plus V8 plus manual is probably the most fun one can have in an automobile without breaking the law.

[dhutch]

CM2020 said:

A Westfield with a V8? That would be a proper weapon.

It was a factory option for a good while, SEight. Rover V8 powered.

[maz8062]

Budget?

[samoht]

CM2020 said:

About the Aston, it can't be the cheapest right? Is a TR8 higher than an Aston already? It doesn't need to be on PH or something newish. I was just wondering what fun is out there to be had, for not a lot of money. Yes, to possibly buy. I had a few thoughts. But curious what I'm not considering.

No, you're right, there are a few older Rover V8 cars that are cheaper and didn't appear in my AT search, eg https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207107... Westfield SEight for £14k

[Belle427]

A TVR Chimaera is a simple wonderful thing but sadly they do have a bad reputation.
The good thing is most will have had the problems sorted by enthusiast owners and some nice upgrades too so can be a very good buy if you know what to look for.

[CM2020]

I had thought the answer would be either something American or something with a Rover V8, which I quite like. So would much prefer a RV8. But I won't even start pretending I know everything which had that engine shoehorned in. Had never heard of a SEight for example. Looks exciting. Although something with a little more body around and maybe not as kitcar like could be nice as well.

[BlindedByTheLights]

Ok a bit of a cheat, but removed the back seats and an Audi s5 for £5k maybe lower for higher mileage.

[Belle427]

A good friend of mine has a Seight.
No doubt its a fun car but it just doesn't do it for me.
Too much wind buffeting when driven without side windows in place and when they are in place it spoils the fun.
Almost needs a helmet to be worn!

[CM2020]

Belle427 said:

A good friend of mine has a Seight.
No doubt its a fun car but it just doesn't do it for me.
Too much wind buffeting when driven without side windows in place and when they are in place it spoils the fun.
Almost needs a helmet to be worn!

I know what you mean. This is what I was talking about when I said, a little more body around would be nice. I have the impression despite the excitement potential, not for me either. But great to learn it exists nonetheless.

[dhutch]

I've not driven our even sat in one, although there is one in our local area club meet, however I believe they are also very different to drive to your usual 7 type experience, some even say the engine is 'too heavy for the chassis' and upsets the balance.

[CM2020]

dhutch said:

I've not driven our even sat in one, although there is one in our local area club meet, however I believe they are also very different to drive to your usual 7 type experience, some even say the engine is 'too heavy for the chassis' and upsets the balance.

It wouldn't be surprising. It does sound like a lot, to have a V8 in a seven.