Buy them before we do: second-hand car picks for 1 October

Bentley Mulsanne Turbo R, £9950: Bond’s Mulsanne Turbo R was equipped with a weapons compartment and long-range telephone. This 1984 example offers a far more beneficial comprehensive service history and well-maintained, corrosion-free bodywork.

Sunbeam Alpine, £15,995: Long before MI6 agreed an attractive company fleet deal with Aston Martin, Bond was a Sunbeam guy. This 1962 Alpine isn’t a fast car (it will do 0-62mph in 14.0sec), but that’s fine, because it gives people more time to admire those sublime looks.

BMW Z3, £5250: Okay, so the first BMW driven by 007 may not be Q-branch’s finest work, but with a contrasting cream leather interior, rare Velvet Blue paintwork and seats that heat rather than eject, we’ll take this 2000-reg 80,000-miler for £5250.

Auction watch

Volkswagen Beetle limo: Do stretched cars make good buying sense beyond the stag nights and hen dos? You would think they would waft better than a Rolls-Royce. In truth, they probably redefine scuttle shake. And then there’s the booze stains and worse…

We ask because, at the time of writing, a stretched 2006-reg Volkswagen Beetle 1.9 TDI with 2200 miles has just sold for £12,000 and a stretched 1997-reg Type 1 Beetle with twice the mileage for £500 more. If they can bear the horrified looks, it’s one way to transport the family. It has to be better than in one Lincoln Town Car with 108,000 partygoing miles and broken windows. Yours for £5000. 

Future Classic

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, £10,995: Launched in 2002, the 156 GTA was equipped with a 247bhp 3.2-litre V6 capable of hurling the four-door saloon from zero to 62mph in 6.3sec. Grip was strong, the steering communicative and body control excellent.

As was the way then, the GTA’s appearance was relatively shy and retiring, with only broader front wings, Brembo brake calipers, tasty five-hole alloy wheels, vented side skirts and twin tailpipes distinguishing it from lesser 156 models. Our find has done 150,000 miles but it is a one-owner car with a full service history and a fresh timing belt. And it looks sensational.

Clash of the Classifieds

A simple plea. Can you find me a decent V8 for less than £10,000? Mercedes-Benz CL500, £10,000 vs Maserati 4200 GT, £8995

Mark Pearson: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the best used car of all time. I really think this CL has got it all sewn up. It’s an absolute humdinger. Creamy V8, loads of punch, opulent interior. It looks fab, too. It will go on forever and, at this price, it will more than likely appreciate in value. It also has just 72,000 miles on it and a full service history.

Oliver Young: How about an Italian super-GT with a Ferrari engine? I present the Maserati 4200 and its sonorous 385bhp 4.2-litre V8. This future classic is beautiful in every way, from its styling to its driving experience. Plus, you will look like a millionaire at the wheel. And for less than £10,000, I’m afraid it can’t be beaten. Are you really going to choose a Merc over this?