The used exotic car market has become laughably untouchable for most people’s bank accounts, but there are still a few cars that have been passed over in favor of more recognizable models. Here they are for your enjoyment.
Last week I asked you to find me the best examples of these forgotten exotics, and the results were nothing short of fan-freaking-tastic.
Update: I tweaked the headline, since the definition of supercar is extremely nebulous. These should all still be considered “exotics,” though.
10. 2008 Maserati Quattroporte GTS
This Maserati Quattroporte proves that actually, yes, there is such a thing as a four door sports car. With a Ferrari-derived V8 engine and a responsive automatic (not the tragic DuoSelect automated manual), its available room for five people will make people wonder why this once-six figure car can now be had for less than a third of its original price. At least until the first repair bill comes.
(Suggested by Binks)
9. 1991 Acura NSX
Okay, it’s a little more than $35,000. But this over-budget NSX could be had within the budget with some savvy negotiation, but even then, you’d have a screaming deal. I’ll let Shaheen Merhej explain:
NSXs will be the 911 of the future; the prices are skyrocketing with the new model out and a rekindled interest, in combination with the allure of the model’s history and the increasing recognition of Japanese metal in the collector fairytale dreamland. Even today it’s hard to touch a nice sub-50k mile one for less than $60,000, and I don’t see that being possible for much longer.
(Suggested by Shaheen Merhej)
8. 1990 Porsche 928 S4
This Porsche 928 is the German muscle car that you never knew you desperately needed. I’ll let YALE70 explain:
5.0L V8, 316 HP, automatic(Unfortunate, I know) and tops out under 170. Unless you’re a fan of Risky Business you’ve probably never heard of this Porsche. Originally conceived to replace the 911 which it never did, it’s practically a German muscle car. This example has over 170k total miles under the belt and a appears to have had it’s engine replaced in 2015 along with a refresh of most of the other parts but it’s in pretty nice shape overall with what seems to be only a few minor cosmetic problems. Title is clear. Don’t change that by letting it roll into a lake.
There is no substitute.
(Suggested by YALE70)
7. 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo
This Porsche 911 Turbo may not be a top-of-the-line exotic, but it has the pedigree, looks, and aftermarket support to make it a true world beater. I’ll let Land_Yacht_225 explain:
Only one with a BIN for under $35k. I know the X50 optioned Turbos or the Turbo S is the actual supercar, but you can’t really turn your nose up at 415 hp. And if I recall correctly, the 996 Turbo models don’t suffer from the intermediate shaft bearing failure. AND IT IS A MANUAL!!!
(Suggested by Land_Yacht_225)
6. 1988 Lancia Delta Integrale
This Lancia Delta Integrale is the car that sophisticated, classy players picked in Sega Rally. It’s also a car that would go absolutely unnoticed by anyone who didn’t instantly know what it was.
The boxy styling and diminuitive stature meant that its rally history wouldn’t show unless you made the responsible decision to show that dirt road who’s boss.
(Suggested by reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it’s ear.)
5. 2001 Qvale Mangusta
This Qvale Mangusta wants to be a Ford Mustang so bad that it’s built on the post-Fox Body platform, and the name is literally an anagram of “A Mustang.” However, it’s a bit more than just a rebodied ‘Stang. I’ll let RazoE explain:
Yes it’s basically a Mustang, but that means parts are easy to come by and they’re reliable as a wood-burning stove. Plus you can get a hardtop, a targa, or a convertible in the same car with the push of a button!Plus i’ve always loved the quirky styling.
(Suggested by RazoE)
4. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL600 w/Renntech 7.0 liter V12
This SL600, before any modification, was already an insanely capable cruiser. Its M120 V12 engine was capable of 400 horsepower out of the gate, which meant that it didn’t skip a beat cruising the autobahn at triple digit speeds. With the addition of a $30,000 Renntech 7.0-liter engine and 125 additional horsepower, the value for this car, at this price, is nearly unbeatable.
(Suggested by Fox)
3. 1993 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE
This Lotus Esprit was the lightweight flagship of the Lotus brand before the Elise fat-shamed the world with its tiny hips and insane amount of thrill per dollar. This Esprit isn’t the turbocharged V8 version, although it is considered to be much less troublesome.
It has some of the best on-road manners of any sports car, and even in its aging form, it can show supercar newcomers a thing or two about holding a line. Just don’t expect to buy parts at your local Autozone.
(Suggested by Discerning)
2. 1991 BMW 850i
This BMW 850i is a no-brainer as a forgotten supercar. It had a relatively small V12 engine in an undeniably German body which made for a package that allowed for an astronomical sustained top speed without issue.
Although this car has the slushy automatic gearbox, I’m willing to bet that you could get the available manual transmission swapped in with the leftover budget and have something that is due to appreciate faster than any 401(k) that your CPA keeps saying you should get.
(Suggested by BrianGriffin)
1. 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV
While this little Alfa Romeo (which I originally incorrectly identified as an Alfasud, sorry!) isn’t setting any lap records as of late, owning this car is sure to be a novel experience that no car in this price bracket could compete with. Is it a supercar? No. But it’s more special, more unique and more storied than most supercar, and rare enough that it shows you have way more taste than the guy who got a late-model Ferrari when his startup went public.
It’s a remarkably rust-free example for its age and model, and has the high-strung engine that would snap the necks of any car enthusiast within earshot. It’s old, it’s lovely, it’s cheap and it’s a goddamn classic Alfa Romeo. Deals like these won’t be around forever.
(Suggested by Enginerrrrrrrrr)