1. Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
- Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power: 200hp
- 0-60mph: 4.7 seconds
- Top speed: 151mph
If you’ve always fancied an early Lotus Elise, we have some bad news – they are already shooting up in value and you’ve missed the boat. If you are prepared to put up with a less exotic badge there’s an alternative which some experts quietly admit they think is better.
The Vauxhall VX220 was launched in 2000 with the intention of adding some glamour to the brand. But while it wore the Griffin badges, it was engineered and built by Lotus. Compared to the contemporary Elise it was slightly – but only slightly – less sporty, with more predictable handling, plus an airbag and ABS. Many modern drivers will be more comfortable with these safety essentials.
Badge snobbery keeps prices much lower than an equivalent Lotus and it’s possible to find a scruffy but sound example for under five figures. That won’t last long – prices of sound, original versions can surely only go one way.
2. BMW Z1
- Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol
- Power: 168hp
- 0-60mph: 8.1 seconds
- Top speed: 140mph
There is no such thing as a ‘cheap’ BMW Z1, but most experts agree that they are still undervalued for a rare two seater sports car from a prestige brand. While prices of the bigger Z8 have shot upwards, the Z1 has risen at a much slower pace.
This may be partly because the Z1 has the humble underpinnings of a 3 Series, but the wedge styling was enough to rival supercars.
It also has a party trick – its doors. Rather than opening outwards or scissoring upwards, they disappear down into the sill. That might make it tricky to get in if you are less agile, but the car can be driven with the doors stowed down, meaning you can feel the wind in your armpit hair too, if you wish.
Those 3 Series origins also mean it is mostly cheap to maintain, but some drivers will be put off by the left-hand drive-only layout. It does mean you can import a Z1 from Germany though, where most of the 8,000 made were originally sold.
3. Mini Cooper S (R50)
- Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol
- Power: 170hp
- 0-60mph: 7.2 seconds
- Top speed: 135mph
Glance through the classifieds and it’s easy to find an early Mini for just a few hundred quid, and a banger like this might provide you with some cheap fun for a while. But the good cars with low miles, stacks of history and just a few owners are starting to climb in value quickly as people realise they are collectable and look out for the best.
Any early Mini that has been loved is worthy of attention, but it will always be the fastest Cooper S which is the most sought-after, even more so if it’s the hotter John Cooper Works or even the rare GP version.
The ‘S” stands for supercharger, which obviously brings more power but also adds an intriguing whine as you accelerate. Add in the sharp chassis responses, solid BMW build quality and infinite personalisation options and it’s easy to see why a good Mini is much more fun than a savings account.
