Spyker C8 Spyder

Details

“Nulla tenaci invia est via” – “For the tenacious, no road is impassable”. No better moto for a car company who knew no bounds, Spyker had high ambitions and a clear vision of the cars they desired to produce. The unmistakable propeller logo harks back to their rich history pre WWI in the aircraft industry, but the Dutch company were also responsible for some ground breaking automotive developments including the worlds first 4-wheel drive car with a single engine.

The company was reborn in 1999 with a clear goal to produce beautifully engineered sports cars that would charm its audience with a unique combination of style, grace, pace and exclusivity. At a time when sports cars were getting more powerful but far heavier, Spyker utilised a ‘modest’ 400hp Audi 4.2 litre V8 engine, but saddled to an aluminium space frame chassis and body with a kerb weight of just 1,200kg, lighter than a Porsche 986 Boxster!

A plethora of polished aluminium exterior trim really stands out on the solid black paintwork, none more so than the solid single piece aluminium wing mirrors which cleverly hide the button to open the door. A car designers dream, handless car doors. No need to worry about the mirrors not folding in either, as this example is the Wide Body Specification with it’s unmissable flared arches and big rear end. The upgraded 19” Aeroblade wheels are another nod to their aircraft background.

Those who think the C8 is all about style over substance are certainly mistaken. The inboard suspension provides an excellent ride on todays roads even for the unaccomplished driver and the AP Racing brakes give great feel to slowing the car which has a top speed of 186 mph. The quality of engineering in the car proves that no expense was spared with the build quality and the use of materials.

This is amplified when you step inside the cabin. Designed to resemble a vintage aircraft, the sublime interior is like very little else with perhaps only modern Bugatti to compare to. Plush quilted high quality leather, turned aluminium dash trim, all aluminium switch gear, there isn’t any plastic or imitation carbon fibre in sight! The propeller theme is continued with the beautiful aluminium and leather trimmed steering wheel which is undoubtedly an all-time great design, a must have in any Spyker, along with matching propeller styled air conditioning vents. The functional yet beautiful exposed gear linkage is another unique touch on the car, but nothing is as unique as the frameless windscreen and windows which provides for an unrivalled driving sensation.

Additional factory specification includes optional soft top and Spyker logo on headrests. A rare right hand drive example with just 3,169 miles from new, the car is presented in beautiful condition, inside, outside and underneath. Inspections are very welcome and encouraged.

Manual, normally aspirated, V8, rear wheel drive, incredible soundtrack and unlikely to ever pass another on the road or park next to one at your local cars and coffee. What’s not to like?