ASTON MARTIN V8 £12,765
After the traumas which started around last year's Motor Show-time, the thoroughbred Aston Martin V8 is back in limited production at the Newport Pagnall works. The 160 mph two-door 2+2 coupe symbolises British automotive craftsmanship with superb engineering and finish. The body is unusually wide and comfortable, and the well-balanced weight-distribution plays its part in the fantastic handling and roadholding. The V8 is available with five-speed manual gearbox or three-speed automatic. There is a long waiting list-even if you have that sort of money!

ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA £15,638
Introduced at last year's Motor Show, the four-door long-wheelbase "Aston" has been involved in too much financial drama to be on the roads in any numbers, but production is now under way, and the lithe four-door saloon takes its place amongst Britain's fine, handcrafted thoroughbred cars. With 30.5 cm more in wheelbase and 34 cm more in length than its relative, the Aston Martin V8, the "Lagonda" is roomy as well as very fast indeed. It is powered by an identical V8 engine to the two-door Aston Martin. A five-speed gearbox is standard but automatic is an optional extra.