In this Market Trends we look at three classic V12 supercars; the Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari Testarossa and Jaguar E-Type S3…
Lamborghini Miura
The Miura isn’t so much a supercar, it is the supercar. From a period when cars of this ilk were few and far between, the Miura blew away the competition by introducing mid-engined technology and a suspension layout that made Ferrari envious.
Despite that though, in terms of driving standards it wasn’t particularly well received. The looks and engine carried the Miura to great heights. Those lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a Miura admit it has flaws but the one thing that continues to impress and please is the roar from the engine as it continuously pulls through the revs. In other words, the car was unusable unless driven hard, but it was beautiful and sounded great at the same time.
If you wish to get your hands on a Lamborghini Miura you’re going to need a healthy bank balance. £160,000 will get you a low-mileage non-SV variant, with the SV cars climbing over £200,000 for an example.
All cars will have been treated to generous servicing over the years due to the sheer value of them, so this shouldn’t be a concern. However, it is always worth checking what work has been carried out.
Ferrari Testarossa
A car made famous by Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa was known for its side strakes and wide rear track. While the styling was lavish and bold, it still took influences from the wedge-like design that was popular during the ’80s.
In its day the Testarossa wasn’t too well received, some arguing that it was too wide for the roads making it impractical to use. By today’s standards it’s actually quite small and nimble with vast amounts of luggage room to justify it being a grand tourer. The in-your-face styling took away from the fact that this was a genuine everyday supercar, despite the initial reaction that it was too wide.
Ferrari Testarossa prices have changed significantly over recent years. Three years ago £150,000 would be needed to get hold of a top example. Today, however, that price has dropped considerably with some cars being offered for around £110,000 for a similar car. Others with higher mileage can be bought for as little as £90,000.
Jaguar E-Type S3
When the first generation E-Type broke cover it was widely received as one of the most breathtaking sports cars ever built, but one that was ultimately attainable. As the years went on and Jaguar kept updating the car, enthusiasts fell further and further out of touch with the overall product to the point that the latest cars are generally the least sought-after.
The engine was the biggest issue for enthusiasts; while it went bigger in displacement and cylinders for the Series 3 with the 5.3-litre V12, the driving dynamics changed, hampering handling and also creating a car that was far too thirsty on fuel.
It’s the same principle with prices, the bigger the popularity, the more expensive the car; while Series 1 and 2 E-Types fetch around the £100,000 mark, a top condition Series 3 will push £70,000. That’s by no means cheap, but it’s representative of popularity. The E-Type in any guise is a thing of beauty and perhaps bagging a late Series 3 for less money is a good idea; it’s still a brilliant car and one whose value is set to continue rising.
