There’s a surprising number of high-powered cars on the used market - these give you the most bang for your buck
It’s amazing just how many horses can gallop into your life for less than, never mind £20,000 or £50,000. And they come in a wide range of bodystyles. Given that we’re going mad for power, we aren’t looking at anything with less than 500bhp under the lid.
Ours is a Performance version; the standard car, whose turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 makes do with a mere 553bhp, can be bought for less than £29,000.The supercharged 5.4-litre V8’s addictive throttle response and sledgehammer thrust make this one of the most exciting SLs. Many are cheaper than this particular one, but they can be troubled with water in the electrics via the boot, while leaking hydraulic pipes can damage the ABC suspension’s pump.
Dismal sat-nav apart, it’s not impractical, either. This low-mileage example originates from Singapore, that fact and some non-franchise service history lowering the price. It’s thirsty and servicing costs are predictably high, but it’s reliable.
Specialists can service it for semi-sensible money. The V12 is tough, but its variable valve timing can cause trouble.Loses the drama and inconvenience of the coupé’s gullwing doors but is more handsome and cheaper as a soft-top. Gargantuan bonnet and matching performance from AMG’s 6.3-litre V8, as you’d expect from the sub-brand’s first bespoke model. Dynamically excellent, but tyre roar and a firm ride can be wearing. Afficionados prefer gullwings and the rare GT and Black Series.