More than 18,000 supercars were registered at UK addresses in 2021, a 19% increase on the previous year. Shows like Top Gear help popularise supercars in the 90’s and beyond, showcasing their performance, design, and engineering in feature segments which captured viewers imaginations and piqued their interest. Indeed at its Clarkson peak, according to the Guardian, a staggering 350m people were watching the show globally.
There is however some ambiguity as to when the first true supercar appeared on our streets, many people believe the 1966 Lamborghini Miura P400 was a pioneer, others claim the first true supercar was the Mercedes-Benz’s 300SL Gullwing, launched in 1954, with a 3l engine, and the ability to reach 60mph in just 8.5 seconds.
Supercars are rare and exclusive, and owning one is a sign of success, wealth, and a luxurious lifestyle. It’s no surprise therefore, that many celebrities drive one. Legendary world boxing champ Floyd Mayweather drives a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, one of only two units in production, costing around $4.8m. Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo drives a sleek Ferrari LaFerrari, worth a cool $2m, and comedian Jay Leno owns a $12m 1994 McLaren F1, just one of the many cars in his $50 million collection.
Manufacturers of this type of car often limit production, creating a sense of exclusivity that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts. Not only that, iconic brands like Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari have become synonymous with automotive excellence – fighting to raise quality and performance standards, as well as prices.
So, what are the most popular supercars for 2024?
There are a range of supercars on the market, each with their own unique design features and impressive performance. We’ve highlighted a selection below.
1. McLaren 720S
This rear wheel drive, two-seater, has a carbon fiber chassis weighing just over 1,200kg and outstanding driver engagement, with the choice of comfort, sport, or track modes. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0l V8 engine produces 720PS and 0-60mph takes just 2.8 seconds. The 720S retails at a starting price of £228,000.
2. DBS Superleggera
With its V12 5.2l twin-turbo engines, this Aston Martin supercar can hit a maximum of 211mph, reaching 100mph in just 6.4 seconds. In terms of design, this striking car has a full-width rear light bar and a sizable front grille, with more aggressive styling than the DB11 model. A new one would set you back around £225,000.
3. Ford GT
Only a very limited number of Ford GTs are built every year and demand is high. If you want one, you'll need to spend around £750,000. This car achieved legendary status in the 1960s by defeating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its teardrop shape is the result of extensive work in the wind tunnel. Its lightweight body and 660-horsepower 3.5l EcoBoost® V6 engine mean it’s often dubbed as a ‘street-legal race car’.
4. Maserati MC20
The Maserati MC20 is an exotic car with a carbon fiber structure, and a 621-hp twin-turbo V-6 engine. Not dissimilar to a Ferrari or Lamborghini in its shape, with butterfly style doors and a low pointy nose, the MC20 reaches 60mph in just 3.2 seconds. The latest model, the Cielo Spyder, has retractable roof for open-air cruising. This beauty will cost a whopping £232,000.
5. Bugatti Chiron Super Sport
This car, with its 8.0l, W16 engine, has a low-slung front, special aerodynamic shape at the sides and an extended rear for peak performance. Bugatti developed a new chassis specifically for the Chiron Super Sport’s high speeds and new aerodynamics. In 2019, Bugatti exceeded the threshold of 300 mph with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, hitting a record-breaking speed of 304mph. The price tag is even more impressive, at over £3m.
Is a supercar a good long term investment?
Investing in supercars can be lucrative, but as with any investment there is much to consider. If you back the right car at the right time, you could earn an attractive return on investment. As with any physical asset class, not all supercars appreciate, of course dependent on the time horizon of choosing. Of course the Delorean is a great example of car potential destined for obscurity until made super famous by the Back to the Future franchise. But ultimately, it’s the rare supercars that people will want, and these are often the ones that spike in value right after they’re made available.
Collectors often want to own a piece of history. They want old cars from the brands that they already know and love, and they’re usually willing to pay more to get pristine examples of these cars. Keeping a pristine example through the decades can turn even the most average supercar into a valuable collector’s item. So it’s equally important to consider investing in ‘best in class’ storage and maintenance as well.
If you’re looking for an investment, some models worth looking into include:
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Lexus LFA
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Dodge Viper GTS
- Ferrari F50
- Ford GT
- Lamborghini Diablo
- Maserati MC12
- Porsche 911 GT3
- Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren
- Aston Martin Vanquish S
How should I go about financing my supercar?
Practically, purchasing a supercar is a trade-off between depleting your capital to buy outright, or maintaining liquidity to invest in other asset classes that will bring better returns.
Supercar Finance
Supercar finance helps you manage your finances efficiently while maximising your investments and income. It allows you to spread the cost with a predictable payment plan, and you may also be able to defer the costs until you have more liquidity.
This of course is a highly specialised area of lending, so choosing a broker who works with a panel of lenders and understands the ins and outs of this type of luxury asset financing, is essential to you ensure you get the best deal for your circumstances. Choose one with expert knowledge of the high value car industry, as well as experience arranging million plus finance.
Enness Global is one of the few global brokers to operate in this space, with demonstrable experience of working with individuals whose income is structured in a unique way. Specialising in helping clients secure the best solution for their circumstances. Enness manage the paperwork, negotiations, and lender interactions, leaving clients free to focus on enjoying the ride of their life - literally. Afterall owning a supercar is arguably only worthwhile if you really get a chance to drive it.
The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not constitute advice or a recommendation. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Enness and are not intended to indicate any market or industry viewpoints, or those of other industry professionals
Islay Robinson, a founder of Enness, is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading mortgage brokers. He has been instrumental in delivering some of the most complex and high value mortgages in the UK.
