Cheap V8?

[HGFdodger]

Last week I said goodbye to my M240i, and convinced myself I'd make do with whatever diesel company car I find myself in during the future. 7 slow and uninspiring days have passed by and I've decided to give myself 5-6 grand for something special to work on over the winter.

Over the past 4 years I've been very close to purchasing a Rover SD1 3500 on numerous occasions, and genuinely if the opportunity presented itself right now I wouldn't need to post this - but there isn't any.

What else is there I can waste my money on??

Even thinking about it now, I'm not even that bothered if it's a v8. Just something that sounds nice, needs work, infuriates the neighbours and takes up far too much room on the drive.

[littleredrooster]

Didn't the Rover 75 come with a V8 at one point? Still some left, I believe. Or the big Volvo saloon thingy - never understood their model designations!

[Quavers]

Just bought a BMW 545 as a daily.

Have a V8 SD1 as a project.

Do it. You only live once.

[robbieduncan]

Early XK8? Might not even need much work.

[parabolica]

An old 7 series would be my bet; budget would get a reliable E38, or a slightly newer (and potentially costlier) E65.

[HGFdodger]

The only thing I'd say is I'd prefer manual. My company cars are almost always auto, and the m240 was as well and it was the biggest mistake of my life.

I did look at XK8s and I do keep checking. With BMWs though I've been looking at more z3/z4 3.0 although they're stretching the budget slightly.

I have an image in my head of autumn evenings spent working on a car, I just don't know what car it is!!!

[HGFdodger]

littleredrooster said:

Didn't the Rover 75 come with a V8 at one point? Still some left, I believe. Or the big Volvo saloon thingy - never understood their model designations!

I don't like the 75s, but do like the MGs, they did an x power one I believe which looked and sounded epic. By all accounts it handled like a chocolate racing boat. An old 850 R estate would do trick if they weren't so unbelievably expensive.

[LuS1fer]

Plenty of V8 Jaguar XJs of various generations or there's the V12 if you're feeling suicidal.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C950766

[Alex_225]

A Merc CL probably fits the bill. Stupidly big, two doors, usually a V8 or V12 etc. etc. Plus I think they look pretty good and early 00's models are dirt cheap to buy.

Running it may be different but that's not important. Probably.

[TWPC]

2003 BMW 540i manual!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2003 Audi S4 manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2004 Porsche Cayenne S manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

How about a Busso V6? Plenty of Alfa GTVs and Spiders at that price.

[HGFdodger]

In all seriousness that Audi is really winning me over for some reason!

I'm stupid enough to buy a v12 XJ but thankfully they don't do anything for me, never though about CLs - theyre cheap as chips.

Almost made myself sick searching 'Alfa Romeo' under the classic cars section of ebay. They're ridiculous!

[Jayho]

If you want to fix / tinker about then a older range rover V8?

For a more sports car orientated would a V6 / Flat 6 do? Can probably get a decent enough 350z or Boxster S for that amount. Z4 3.0 can be bought between £3500-6000 if you look hard enough and willing to travel.

If you can do a lot of the work yourself an S4 can be had for that sort of monies too.

[InitialDave]

Bentley Turbo R?

[Belle427]

A cheeky offer and some duck tape and your away.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Chimaera-500-HC-68k...

[exelero]

1uz swapped IS200 Around 4 grand you will get one. If not manual I'd vote for Lexus Gs430

[ZX10R NIN]

If you want a manual V8 then it has to be the S4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

645i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Both engines have issues but if you're looking for project cars then they fit the bill:

If you can live with an auto then in my bias opinion then it has to be a (your budget no longer lands a CLK55 as they're now rising) CLK500:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Mr Tidy]

OP, that Audi S4 looks like a good shout!

Or you may just find a BMW 545i, 550i or 645i with a manual gearbox.

Otherwise manual V8s are very thin on the ground, but a manual Rover SD1 would probably annoy the neighbours the most as you'd probably need to have it in bits fairly often! Or you might find a Rover P6B 3500S. The ride is great, but they do roll around like a boat in corners (well mine did).

Loads of options if the V8 bit isn't essential.

[alabbasi]

If you say 'needs work', I assume that you want to be able to work on it yourself. In which case , anything with a Rover V8 will fit the bill or a pre 1991 Mercedes Benz with a V8 like a 560SEC. Those are super simple to work on and still have great parts support. Values have already bottomed out, so you will probably get out most of what you put in (assuming you charge yourself a labor rate for 25 pence / hour).