The 205 was a huge success for Peugeot, selling more than five million examples. Stylish, compact and spacious inside thanks to space-saving rear suspension, its sales were boosted by competition succ

(1998-2005)

Once they headed the company car parks of Eighties Britain, now these executive icons offer prestige, nostalgia and pure driving pleasure from £5k. But which of these trading-floor titans best rewards the shrewd classic motorist?

The brilliant Spitfire has never looked better value, reckons James Walshe . Here’s how to buy the best

(2001-2008)

£254,200 OTR/£282,000 as tested/£5,077 pcm WHY IT’S HERE: What has a hybrid makeover – and Mulliner buffing – added to the world’s best grand tourer? DRIVER: Ollie Kew TOPGEAR’S BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT