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?

By Matt Bird / Sunday, 16 August 2026 / Loading comments

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.

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