A decade ago, the Jaguar F-Type returned a true sports car to the automaker’s showrooms 40 years after the last E-Type was built. And now, the final curtain is coming down on what will be Jaguar’s last internal-combustion sports car before the company switches to an all-EV lineup. When introduced, the F-Type won the World Car Design of the Year award. Performance covered a wide gamut, with a rip-roaring 575-horsepower supercharged V8 at the top. For the final year, that engine defines the F-Type R75 models and takes them into the sunset.
You can’t get a manual transmission from Ferrari or Lamborghini today, but collectors are willing to pay hefty premiums for their last stick-shift models. This trend specifically applies to the cars that offered the choice between the real manual and the “robotized” manual, which Ferrari called F1 and Lamborghini called E-Gear. Today, a Ferrari F430 with the stick-shift can command a 100% premium over the F1 model. Some independent shops are even providing conversions back to full manual transmissions. Is that a wise purchase?
The Ferrari-Maserati divorce has put the Italian supercar universe back in order, with Maserati emerging with its strongest model line since the 1960s. The newest models include the MC-20 supercar, a high-performance Grecale SUV, and the GranTurismo. The gas-fueled Maserati GranTurismo arrives in spring, with an electric version coming in late 2023. Sources suggest a $170,000 starting price.
The Mercedes SL has been that marque’s luxury-performance flagship for nearly 70 years, and the all-new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL is the model’s seventh generation. The new SL has 2+2 seating, with all-wheel drive and a return to a soft top after two decades of retractable hardtops. Pricing starts at $137,400 and can zoom toward $200,000. If you’ve not looked at an SL in a while, this one deserves close inspection.
Get geared up to bid at Gooding’s “Geared Online” stellar line-up of dream cars at its 2022 Scottsdale Auction. Premier’s professionals have selected some of their favorites, include two classic Porsches and a rare 1962 VW Transporter (a/k/a “microbus”) with 23 windows. Contact us to pre-qualify to finance any Gooding’s 54 motorcars.
There’s no doubt that $250k can buy some fantastic dream cars. This VINWiki video has some great examples, including one from our Southeast Sales Manager, Chris Warren. Instead of dreaming, listen to Ed Bolian’s explanation at the end to learn how you can put any one of these supercars in your driveway.
For its new “Best Car” series, VINwiki asked some well-informed automotive sources – including our Southeast Sales Manager, Chris Warren – to recommend a great sports car that’s likely to sell for under $60k. Check out Chris, and the other sports car recommendations, on this very informative VINwiki video.