So you've finally won the lottery, and now you want to fill the garage with the finest cars money can buy. Here are five to get your car collection started.
1 - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (2007-2009)
You can’t go wrong with side-exit exhausts, can you? Well, the curious product of Mercedes-Benz’s and McLaren’s collaboration isn’t the finest example of ankle-burning motoring around, but it’s a serious bit of kit that blends a 617bhp 5.4-litre V8 with a five-speed automatic gearbox, super-sharp steering, finickety brakes and a hefty kerb weight. Jaw-dropping top-down looks and a raucous exhaust provide much compensation, however, as does a 0-62mph time of 3.8sec.
Expect to pay £300,000 for an immaculate example of the rare and distinctive Roadster with less than 15,000 miles on the clock. It should be reliable and usable, too, furthering its appeal.
2 - Saleen S7 (2000-2006)
If you’re in the market for a hand-built supercar, Saleen isn’t a name that jumps to mind. The Saleen S7, however, is unquestionably a serious contender in its class. It was well engineered, primarily in the UK, and used high-end materials and components throughout.
Opt for a 2005-on example and it’ll feature a twin-turbocharged 7.0-litre Ford V8 that produces 750bhp and 700lb ft. A kerb weight of just 1338kg and sleek aerodynamics further help it to dispatch the 0-60mph sprint in a claimed 2.8sec, and, if you’ve room, Saleen says the S7 will touch 248mph.
Around £850,000 will net you an immaculate imported example of what is a very rare, interesting and capable car.
3 - Pagani Zonda F Clubsport (2005)
Only 25 beautifully engineered Zonda F coupés were made, so you’ll be joining an exclusive club if you buy one. Go for a Clubsport version, with more power, bigger brakes and reworked aerodynamics, and it’ll be even rarer. Expect to pay a hefty but depreciation-free £1.5 million or so for a sub-10,000-mile example in excellent condition.
The Zonda’s 641bhp naturally aspirated 7.3-litre V12 helps the bespoke supercar to sprint from 0-62mph in 3.6sec. You don’t need to drive it hard to enjoy it, though, with its fabulously detailed interior, evocative engine and staggering presence. Pleasingly, Pagani has a reputation for reliability, so embarrassing stoppages should be rare.
4 - Maserati MC12 (2004-2005)
