£40k to spend on possibly my last ICE

[DRE7]

I’m just about to sell a house. After putting eggs in various baskets I’ll be left with about £40k (slightly negotiable either way) I’d be happy to set aside for the purchase of a second car which would be used for weekends and the odd longer European road trip.
No need for more than two seats, but some comfort for longer trips would be ideal. I’d like to be in something which handles relatively well but not interested in tracking.

In two years I’ll start a job through which I’ll be able to lease a plug in car. I see this as an opportunity to enjoy the best of what ICE cars can offer before rules become more stringent and other life events might come along!

Ideally I’d like something which isn’t going to depreciate like a stone.

I’ve found it difficult to look past a low mileage manual Boxster or Cayman 981S, but have also been tempted to look at manual Vantages - I may just about be able to stretch to a 4.7 - a V8 would be something nice to own as my daily is 6 cylinder (M140).
I occasionally find myself tempted by something older, like a 1980s Carrera cab.

I’d be interested to hear people’s suggestions - what would you want to drive around Europe in this price range? ‘Modern’ or older?

Thank you all in advance and hope you are all enjoying some excellent driving weather.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say the Maserati Granturismo Sport would be my pick with your requirements in mind:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207167...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204114...

They're great special cars & with your budget they're the pick for me.

Alpine A110:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207077...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...

Now if you don't mind LHD then the Corvette C6 in either ZR1/Z06 form are very hard cars to look past & they'll be epic on those Euro trips:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108015...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206076...

The 968 Club Sport may work for you:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107024...

928:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

Toyota Supra:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204244...

[georgeyboy12345]

Here's what I'd be looking at

Why get a V8 manual Aston Martin when you can get a V12 manual one in the form of this DB9!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207087...


TVR Tuscan in the best colour
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205246...


Audi R8 V8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207248...


Ford Mustang GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207197...


Jaguar F-Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206267...


Lexus RC-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205266...


Nissan GT-R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207147...

[Heathwood]

If it was my £40k with your criteria, it would be an R8 v8 Manual.

[DodgyGeezer]

I'll add in 3 more left hookers (predictably):

Gen 5 or 6 Camaro
Dodge R/T Challenger (possibly get an SRT in budget)
Dodge Viper

The Challenger is, tbf, more of a muscle-car/cruiser, the Camaro (particularly the 6th gen) and Viper sportscars