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Sun's out, big V8 guns out | Six of the Best

It's finally started cooling down - so what better time to invest in a sultry V8-powered cabriolet?

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Ford Mustang GT, 2024, 6k, £42,500

There was a car reveal that took place away from California this week - yes, really. The new Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible takes all that sounds so exciting about the coupe - mildly detuned GTD supercharged V8, Ford Racing input, Magneride dampers - with the thrills of top-down motoring. The noise alone is surely going to be worth the asking price. And there’s an optional purple. While availability of the SC (in both its forms) is unconfirmed here, a chunk of the appeal is most definitely on offer in the standard machines that you can buy. This Yellow Splash Metallic cabrio already benefits from the performance package and an H-pipe exhaust, so it’ll certainly sound the part. And what’s a four-seat V8 cabrio for if not making a glorious racket? Then you can think about an SC-spec supercharger… 

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Jensen Interceptor, 1974, 6k, £139,995

In many ways, an old Jensen Interceptor isn’t all that different to a new Mustang. Power comes from a wonderful lump of all-American muscle (once Chrysler here, now GM), the look is iconic, the experience is unrivalled and the name an inspired bit of marketing. For all the joys of V8 soft-top motoring at a classic pace, there won’t be much to surpass an Interceptor. This one should manage a bit more than classic pace, however, thanks to the work of Jensen International Automotive; it’s now JIA R spec, with a fortune spent on uprating the powertrain - including with a six-speed auto along the LS 6.2 - overhauling the chassis and completely revising the interior, making for the Interceptor you always dreamed of. Once owned by the boss of JIA, it’ll ensure sunny days are never quite the same again.  

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Mercedes S63 AMG, 2017, 58k, £46,995

Alright, so a Mustang and a restomod Jensen probably aren’t being cross-shopped, what with the price and age difference. But here’s something that might be, given a four-seat V8 convertible is never going to be the rational, objective car purchase: a Mercedes S63. Once offered at more than £150k less than a decade ago, it’s now for sale at over £100,000 less, boasting all the equipment you could ever wish for - Burmester sound, extended Nappa leather, heated seats for all - as well as a monster engine. Later S63s switched to the 4.0-litre hot-V V8, but this was one of the last AMGs to soldier on with the epic 5.5; so that means 664lb ft, and almost 30mpg claimed combined. Talk about having your cake and eating it. Best still ask for petrol money, though - an old S-Class will demand it’s spent somewhere… 

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Audi RS5, 2015, 55k, £22,990

It was easy to be a bit snooty about the convertible RS5 back in the day; not as capable as the coupe or as cool as the RS4 Avant would sum up most opinions. But less than 15 years later, with nat-asp V8s consigned to the history books and Audi design having gone a bit awry, it seems much more appealing. It’s never going to be an incisive drive, sure, but the appearance of an RS5 both inside and out - combined with that sublime 4.2-litre, 8,250rpm V8 - will more than make up for it. Don’t forget about the snappy DSG as well. This is a late one, with pretty low miles and a great colour. Update the infotainment and don’t be surprised if it becomes used rather more regularly than just balmy weekends. The best V8 cabrios tend to have that effect. 

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BMW M3 LE, 2012, 65k, £24,995

Another one to file under guilty pleasures usually, but the perfect fit when it comes to four-seat frolics with the roof down. The M3 convertible has been a fixture of the range for nearly 40 years, so there’s plenty of others who can see the appeal. An E93 like this one offers a temptation that no other M3 can offer, either, with the storied S65 V8 and a dual-clutch transmission. Calling it the Mustang M3 probably wouldn’t be fair, though there are certainly commonalities: an engine to die for, space for pals, a name loved the world over and rear-wheel drive should ensure a lot of fun. The weight of a hardtop dented performance, but don’t forget about the sound. This late LE has a great looking history and a smart interior - so go on, satisfy that curiosity. You might just like an M3 convertible…

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Bentley Azure, 1999, 24k, £79,995

Something truly spectacular to finish on. If a four-seat, eight cylinder cabrio is all about making every drive a special occasion, then what could be more special - or offer more sense of occasion - than a Bentley? And better than that, what can only really be described as a proper old Bentley: a Widebody Azure, built just after VW had been given the keys but as classic Crewe as they come, complete with a turbo’d version of the 6.75 V8. When people think of a traditional Bentley, this is precisely what they’re thinking of: big presence, big luxury, big want. A Continental GT could never. This benefits from just 25,000 miles over a quarter of a century (and a bit), plus a recent big spend to get it looking this good. As in a £25k big spend, accounted for by just four (!) invoices. The Bentley experience will never come cheap; but it might not get much more charming than this. 

See the original advert

[chirurgus]

In general, I don't like four-seat convertibles, but the S Class really is well-resolved. My preference would be an S65 with a twin turbo 6.0l V12, but that doesn't fit the brief here.
The E93 M3 looks good roof up or down when compared with the fabric roof alternatives, but I would take a coupe if buying an ///M car.

[wistec1]

It has to be the Jensen for me. Think I'd need a brave pill from the pharmacy to part with the money tho.

[Motormouth88]

140k for that Jensen is hilarious

[richinlondon]

I have a mustang with the useful magneride, custom pack (better stereo etc) and performance pack and it is fantastic to drive and to hear. Pre facelift has nicer interior, still has the screens etc but smaller and has the retro toggle switches. Also amazingly comfy seats. I’d worked out within a week of buying it 15 months ago it was a keeper….

[MikeM6]

I had little to no interest in convertibles until last year, I always thought the performance drop would bother me. What I hadn't realised is that having the roof down makes everything feel much faster and more dramatic, so you get more fun anyway.

It would be the S63 for me, I'm biased obviously, but the M157 is a great engine.

[croyde]

That's a lot of money off the price of a new one for that Mustang. Bargain really.

I ordered the GT as soon as the prices were announced back in 2015. £33k.

Sold 2 years later for £30k.

Looking at the classifieds it looks like I'd still would have got over £25k selling it now, 10 years later.

Great car, mine was in the rarely seen Competition Orange

[Dog Biscuit]

That Audi plate belongs in the other Cr4ppy plate thread.

[McRors]

Bentley for me. However I’d need to buy a garage so it’d become a bit expensive. How they only get 386 hp from a turbo-charged 6.75 litre engine is beyond me. Still, they aren’t made for racing are they.

[pycraft]

Of the list, the Mustang. Men of a certain age - no, men generally - do not look cool in convertibles, there's too much "look at me!" about them. As such, you need a car that doesn't look like you take yourself too seriously. No disrespect to Mustang convertibles - have driven lots around California over the years, and had a very memorable overnight drive through Death Valley to Las Vegas with the top down. But an S class looks like you take yourself very seriously, like you're taking the day off but would rather be at the board meeting. The Mustang says you're off to Huntington beach for a milkshake at the Ruby's at the end of the pier.

Besides, how come the list doesn't have one of these?
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20857436
Tell you what, it's too hot for a coat, I'll get me hat.

(saying this to fit in, of course. Abu Dhabi is 45C most days)

[DanG355]

pycraft said:

Of the list, the Mustang. Men of a certain age - no, men generally - do not look cool in convertibles, there's too much "look at me!" about them. As such, you need a car that doesn't look like you take yourself too seriously. No disrespect to Mustang convertibles - have driven lots around California over the years, and had a very memorable overnight drive through Death Valley to Las Vegas with the top down. But an S class looks like you take yourself very seriously, like you're taking the day off but would rather be at the board meeting. The Mustang says you're off to Huntington beach for a milkshake at the Ruby's at the end of the pier.

Besides, how come the list doesn't have one of these?
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20857436
Tell you what, it's too hot for a coat, I'll get me hat.

(saying this to fit in, of course. Abu Dhabi is 45C most days)

Because it’s not a V8? And it’s cr*p.

[Kipsrs]

That Interceptor looks epic, I think with the work that’s been done to it and the provenance it’s possibly a fair price, especially for the condition and the rarity. I’d love to be seen in it around my home town, I think it would be really appreciated. .

[TR4man]

Definitely the Interceptor for me. Have lusted after a Jensen since my teenage years but never likely to own one.

I don't profess to be an expert but the asking price seems to be rather optimistic despite the work done.

[Water Fairy]

None of them are floating my boat unfortunately but at a push the Merc

[Skyedriver]

I'm of an age where the Interceptor would be my choice, an absolutely fabulous work of art.
However, so many times over the last 15 years or more I've thought 'stang. Perfect follow up to half a dozen TVRs. But would a 73 year old bald bloke look a bit daft in a small Scottish town> Always thought the convertible but with permanent sun damage to my scalp I'd be looking at the tin top.

[stuart100]

pycraft said:

Of the list, the Mustang. Men of a certain age - no, men generally - do not look cool in convertibles, there's too much "look at me!" about them. As such, you need a car that doesn't look like you take yourself too seriously. No disrespect to Mustang convertibles - have driven lots around California over the years, and had a very memorable overnight drive through Death Valley to Las Vegas with the top down. But an S class looks like you take yourself very seriously, like you're taking the day off but would rather be at the board meeting. The Mustang says you're off to Huntington beach for a milkshake at the Ruby's at the end of the pier.

Besides, how come the list doesn't have one of these?
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/20857436
Tell you what, it's too hot for a coat, I'll get me hat.

(saying this to fit in, of course. Abu Dhabi is 45C most days)

I did Death Valley to Vegas last year in a convertible Mustang. It was great. We drove there in the day time and I planned to return through it to but we took the highways home. There were some spectacular views on the way home. We got to a peak, and the saw the road continue into the distance. About 15 miles long as I recall.

[BigR]

No Maserati GranCabrio options listed is a surprise. A wonderful V8 and 4 adults able to sit in it with relative comfort (people can be prone to exaggeration on the rear seats, but theyre acceptable for a short period - or for children quite comfortably).

Many out there for £20s to £60k budgets

[CountyLines]

pycraft said:

Of the list, the Mustang. Men of a certain age - no, men generally - do not look cool in convertibles, there's too much "look at me!" about them. As such, you need a car that doesn't look like you take yourself too seriously. No disrespect to Mustang convertibles - have driven lots around California over the years, and had a very memorable overnight drive through Death Valley to Las Vegas with the top down. But an S class looks like you take yourself very seriously, like you're taking the day off but would rather be at the board meeting. The Mustang says you're off to Huntington beach for a milkshake at the Ruby's at the end of the pier.

You are seriously overthinking things.

[fflump]

Kipsrs said:

That Interceptor looks epic, I think with the work that s been done to it and the provenance it s possibly a fair price, especially for the condition and the rarity. I d love to be seen in it around my home town, I think it would be really appreciated. .

Clearly a lot of work has gone into it, but Interceptor values are falling and the convertible essentially slices off everything that is iconic in the design.

I like them all to a certain degree, the S-Class excepted, but for most I'd prefer the coupe equivalent. Only the Azure really belongs as a drop top, but it needs a pale interior.

Out of them all, I'd consider carefully and go for a Maserati Grancabrio instead.

[Unreal]

Bentley or nothing.

Joke money for the Interceptor. Doesn't look great chopped.

[stuart100]

I have had the M3 for 6 years now. Can’t think of anything to replace it with. Naturally aspirated etc. It’s a 4 seater where you can pull the back seat down and put suitcases etc in the back. All this I don’t get 4 seater convertibles business…. 2 seats limits the times you can use the car. You can put the roof up if people are in the back or are uncomfortable. There’s always a wind deflectors you can buy which would help the rear occupants. The times I’ve drive Calais to Switzerland on a nice sunny day, and not missed it sitting in a coupe/2 seater with the air con on. Yawn!

I’ve taken mine on track, had epic road trips through Europe. I can also get shopping in it unlike a 2 seater. I don’t envy all the people in their coupe M3s and other cars where having a convertible doesn’t make a blind bit of difference on the road. I’ve known people to have the coupe, move on, need to come back to the v8, get the convertible and say it’s the better car. They didn’t notice the performance.