When the original Spyker closed its doors in 1925, founders Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker could hardly have imagined the automotive landscape into which their namesake would enter 75 years later. They could likely have envisaged it better than the form which that namesake would take, though, so utterly mind boggling is almost every facet of its design.
Intakes, vents, and louvres interrupt every external surface of the C8, while its doors pivot vertically, arcing dramatically skyward from a single aluminium hinge. Inside they reveal a fully-quilted cabin, bisected by an impeccably crafted exposed gear linkage. The pedal box - itself sitting in a quilted-leather-lined footwell - looks to be forged from a single billet of aluminium, while every toggle and switch has been crafted with equal attention to detail.
This particular car seems to come fully equipped, too, with no expense having been spared. That aluminium dash, the fully quilted cabin, and those stunning 19-inch 'aeroblade' wheels representing the best part of £10,000 worth of options - at £3,500, £2,100 and £4,300 respectively.
Powered by a tuned Audi 4.2-litre V8, developing 400hp, the C8 ought to be good for 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a 187mph top speed. It isn't just quick in a straight line though, having been designed from the get-go with a topless version in mind, the Laviolette boasts a remarkably stiff structure; a light one, too, tipping the scales at just 1,275kg. Though it does lend the car a particularly firm ride over uneven roads, fully-adjustable front and rear suspension helps soften the blows whilst six-piston AP brakes keep all of that power in check.
Usually all that would be cause enough for a Spotted, but the Spyker's design, performance, and rarity aren't the end of the story here. You see, despite officially having been out of production for some time now, this is essentially a brand new example, having covered just 200 miles since leaving the factory floor. As such it comes with a rather higher price tag than, say, the £110,000 convertible version we spotted just five years ago. More than three times higher, in fact.
Whether the unique design and incredible rarity are worthy of such a heady sum will of course be a source of debate, but one thing is undeniable. There are few cars available at any price point which can match the character, charisma and craftsmanship of the C8.
SPECIFICATION - SPYKER C8 LAVIOLETTE
Engine: 4,172cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 355@7,500rpm
MPG: 24.3 (C8 Aileron)
CO2: 294g/km (C8 Aileron)
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 200
Price new: £192,465
Yours for: £360,000
See the original advert here.
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