Cheeky Italian
Designed by Enrico Lumia at Pininfarina, the GTV proved Alfa still knew how to build a captivating sports car when it launched in 1993. Featuring design highlights such as a clamshell bonnet, a Kamm tail, and that characteristic slash across its flanks, the GTV’s exterior has aged remarkably well, and the same is equally true for this example’s gorgeous tan and black interior. At just 19,000 euros, this example has practically never seen the open road with a mere 1,427km on the odometer, making it a prime choice for any collector of Italy’s finest automobiles. The GTV has remained relatively unloved for years, but as its handsome looks only seem to ripen with age, we wouldn’t wait much longer if you’re looking to call one your own.
Unibody-ody-ody
Megan Thee Stallion certainly wasn’t rapping about the Audi A2 in her 2020 hit “Body”, but the lyrics “Body crazy, curvy, wavy” definitely still apply. Boasting outstanding fuel efficiency, ingenious aluminium unibody construction, and a timeless design by Stefan Sielaff, the A2 more than fulfilled the marque’s intention of creating “A small Audi, not a cheap Audi”. However, the A2 was ahead of its time and the masses weren’t ready to pay luxury car prices for a supermini. Thus the A2 was destined to become a one-generation-wonder. Nevertheless, the A2 remains as brilliant today as it was two decades ago, and prices have begun to creep upwards. This metallic silver example shows less than 60,000 kilometres and is available for a mere 8,500 euros, so if you’re looking for a modern classic daily for 2024, this is as good as they come.
Frozen Fried Eggs
Perhaps the most time-sensitive entry on our list, it feels as though 986-generation Porsche Boxster values could take off any day now. Luckily, that hasn’t happened just yet, and this beautiful Polar Silver 2002 Boxster S is available for little more than 15,000 euros with a hair over 100,000 kilometres on the clock. Aside from the notorious IMS bearing, which can be fixed for about a grand, this 986 should offer a supremely joyful ownership experience. Boasting choice options such as the hollow-spoke turbo twist alloys and an aluminium gear knob, handbrake lever, and dials, this mid-engined marvel offers perhaps the most complete sports car package imaginable for under 20,000 euros.
Avan(the)time of your Life
Is the Renault Avantime one of the slowest V6 coupes ever or one of the world’s fastest people carriers? That’s a matter of perspective, but either way we’ve found ourselves increasingly enamoured with this automotive oddity. A prime example of French out-the-box thinking, the Avantime is a weirdly likeable car, especially in this vibrant shade of Taiga Green. Despite sharing an engine with the Clio V6, we won’t claim that the Avantime has any aptitude for canyon carving, however, it does boast a supremely spacious, comfortable cabin and a brilliant design - just look at those taillights! If ever there was a car that encouraged you to take it slow and enjoy the journey, this 2001 Renault Avantime is it.
Pick of the Range
While previous generations offered more off-road capability and newer generations more luxury, no iteration of the Range Rover combined both attributes as masterfully as the L322. This could partly be due to BMW’s involvement — the car was largely developed in Munich — but we must also commend designer Phil Simmons on producing one of the most handsome SUVs of all time. Sure, the 4.4-litre BMW V8 hiding under the bonnet will be thirsty, and any repair bills likely won’t be cheap, but there’s a reason why both Harry Metcalfe and Jeremy Clarkson still daily their L322s. What’s more, at a hair under 17,000 euros, this 2002 example at least leaves some money in our 20k budget should anything go wrong.
Roadster Royalty
Cheap, reliable, and fun, usually the rule of thumb in the collector car world is you can only pick two, however, the Mazda MX5 is the shining exception to that rule. While this NB-generation MX5 from 2001 sadly dropped the NA’s popup headlights, the rest of the car was honed in every other aspect, resulting in a truly fantastic all-round package. Even better, this example is a Conran limited edition, of which only 500 were made, meaning it improves on the standard MX5’s slightly lacklustre interior with Connolly leather seats, Wilton carpets, and a lovely three-spoke Nardi steering wheel. Perhaps the only factor keeping MX5 values down at the moment is the car’s immense sales success in-period, but as well-maintained examples of these JDM heroes become increasingly difficult to find, we suspect that may start to change.
500 Benz
Every year, the R129-generation Mercedes SL looks more attractive, and every year we’re more confused as to why these are still so affordable. Finished in Azurite Blue Metallic over Mushroom Beige leather, this SL500 ticks nearly every box on our dream daily driver checklist. Boasting an impressive power output of 322 horsepower, this SL might not be light, but it certainly is sporty. This facelifted example also benefits from Merc’s much-improved 5-speed automatic gearbox, making it the perfect companion for everything from city crawling to highway cruising. Having covered a respectable 145,223 kilometres since 1993, this well-maintained Sl500 is one 1990s V8 grand tourer we wouldn’t be too terrified to own.
