A-Z Spotter’s guide to modern classics
Alfa Romeo 159
Price range: £2,000-£12,000
Our pick: 159 3.2 JTS V6 Ti
Engine: 3.2-litre V6 petrol, 256bhp
Years produced: 2004-2011
IF you’re after some Latin brio on a budget, then look no further than the Alfa Romeo 159. The predecessor to the Giulia lacks the current saloon’s poise and rear-drive layout, but it looks great, and with prices starting at less than £2,000, it’s a bargain to boot.
There are eager four-cylinder petrol engines and frugal diesels, but the highlight is the 256bhp 3.2-litre V6 and its snarling soundtrack. The 159 is pretty good to drive, too, with accurate handling and decent refinement. Better still, it doesn’t rust as older Alfas used to, and while the interior feels a little low rent, mechanically the 159 is robust.
Alfa Romeo Spider
Price range: £2,500-£14,000
Our pick: Spider 2.0 Twin Spark Lusso
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol, 150bhp
Years produced: 1995-2006
THE original 1960s Alfa Spider is one of the most desirable classic cars on the planet, but its nineties successor runs it close, and costs thousands less. With its distinctive wedge profile, quad headlamp layout and full-width tail-lamps, the two-seat Italian drop-top looks as fresh today as when it made its debut in 1995.
It’s still great to drive, too, with quick steering, agile handling and a line-up of great engines, including the raspy Twin Spark 2.0-litre petrol and howling ‘Busso’ 3.0-litre V6. What’s more, many have been owned by enthusiasts, so finding a clean and well cared-for example should be a doddle.
“This two-seat Italian drop-top looks as fresh w today as when it made its debut in 1995”
Alpina B5
Price range: £28,000-£50,000
Our pick: B5 Touring
Engine: 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 533bhp
Years produced: 2011-2016
FEW cars offer speed and stealth like this executive express. This B5 is based on the F10-generation BMW 5 Series, combining M5 performance with the subtlety and comfort of a 520d.
Under the bonnet is a tweaked version of the 4.4-litre V8 from the 550i, which delivered 533bhp in a 2012 facelift, while the suspension serves up accurate handling and a supple ride. Like all Alpinas, the only giveaways to its potential are the multi-spoke alloys, a subtle bodykit and a bespoke interior.
Alpine A110
Price range: £42,000-£75,000
Our pick: A110 Pure
Engine: 1.8-litre 4cyl turbo, 249bhp
Years produced: 2018-present
AN instant classic the moment the covers were pulled off, the A110 combines stunning retro looks with huge driver appeal.
Taking its cues from the 1960s original, the mid-engined French machine’s blend of compact dimensions, low kerbweight and punchy turbocharged engines help make any journey an event to be savoured. The car’s surprisingly soft suspension serves up crisp and engaging handling, yet it also allows the Alpine to ride with the comfort of an executive saloon.
Flagship S models pack 288bhp, but the standard 249bhp version offers the best combination of dynamic flair and value – although no A110 is cheap.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Price range: £22,000-£169,000
Our pick: V8 Vantage N430
Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol, 430bhp
Years produced: 2005-2018
WITH its thunderous exhaust note, blistering performance and head-turning looks, the V8 Vantage is one of most desirable Astons ever. Launched in 2003, the two-seater coupé marked a return to form for the British brand, proving to be a match for talented rivals such as the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.
At the heart of the car’s appeal is its muscular 380bhp 4.3-litre V8 (later cars got a 430bhp 4.7-litre) and engaging rear-wheel-drive handling. Plus, prices for early cars start at £30,000, while using a specialist means servicing needn’t break the bank. If your budget stretches, then the limited-run N430 is the pick of the bunch.
“If your budget stretches, then the limited-run N430 is the pick of the V8 Vantage bunch”
Audi A2
Price range: £1,000-£4,000
Our pick: A2 1.6 FSI SE
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol, 110bhp
Years produced: 1999-2005
FROM the original Quattro through to the all-electric e-tron, Audi has a long history of innovation. Yet one of its most underrated efforts is the brilliant A2, which melds smallcar dimensions and running costs with executive-saloon space and quality. It was a sales flop as a new car, but the cleverly packaged machine now makes a quirky, cool and cost-effective family runaround.
The all-aluminium construction is light and strong, while the aerodynamic shape and frugal engines mean the A2 costs peanuts to run. The three-cylinder 1.4 TDI diesel engine isn’t very refined and the ride is firm, but otherwise the nimble Audi is composed and capable to drive.
“It flopped as a new car, but this cleverly packaged machine makes a quirky, cool and cost-effective family runaround”
Audi R8
Price range: £30,000-£75,000
Our pick: R8 V8 FSI manual
Engine: 4.2-litre V8 petrol, 414bhp
Years produced: 2006-2014
IT’S fair to say that Audi scored a stunning bullseye with its first attempt at a supercar. Thanks to its million-dollar looks, growling mid-mounted V8
