03 OTHER OPTIONS YOU MAY CONSIDER

1. THE OBVIOUS: PORSCHE 997 The natural rival of the R8: the market for 997 Porsches is much larger, beginning at $90k for an auto cabriolet. Top end R8 GT values will also see you into a tidy 997 Turbo (GT3 commands upwards of $300k).

2. THE UNEXPECTED: ASTON

MARTIN DB9

Aston Martin’s DB9 carries a more luxury GT-persona, but affords you entry into the hallowed 12-cylinder club. Prices begin around $120k for pre-facelift models

3. THE ODDBALL: FERRARI 360 The pointy end of the R8 market will also see you into the Maranello owner’s club, with asking prices for the V8 mid-engined 360 beginning around $170k. Rare and desirable manual examples will nudge $200k