High-Performance Cars You Deserve to Gift Yourself for Your Birthday

People are quick to tell you that cars are a bad investment and while it’s true a vehicle’s value drops the second you drive it away, you can’t put a price on the joy it brings you. Especially if that car happens to be a luxury high-performance vehicle where high-octane adventure awaits.

We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting motors that make a great gift for the thrill-seeker in you. Oh, and Happy Birthday!

1. 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed

As a triumph of British engineering it’s almost criminal to pass up the opportunity to own a Bentley and the Continental continues to ooze class and sophistication while providing you with an unforgettable driving experience. The latest member of the Continental club is the new Speed – the high performance version of the Continental GT. As well as looking sharper than ever on the outside under the hood is a mighty 6.0-litre W-12 engine with 650bhp delivering a blistering top speed of 208mph and 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. For those long summer drives there’s also a convertible version with a roof that folds away even when you’re cruising at 30mph. Should it get a bit chilly with the top down you can quickly heat yourself up with the neck warmer integrated in the diamond-quilted patterned seats. Also on the inside is stylish microfiber, with the optional carbon-fiber dashboard. Expect to pay £200,000+ for the motor, pricey perhaps, but the experience and refinement will be priceless.

2. BMW Z8 Roadster

Arguably the most beautiful car BMW has ever made, the Z8 has become somewhat of a cult classic in recent years with petrol heads and car collectors desperately trying to get their hands on one. Film fans may recall Pierce Brosnan at the wheel of the Z8 in the James Bond thriller The World is Not Enough back in 1999. Not only have these cars stood the test of time, they’re actually more in demand now than they were when they sat in showrooms in the early noughties. First designed in the 1990s, the curvaceous bodywork and split front grille impressed motorists thanks to its mix between a retro looking BMW and a modern sports car, however it was priced at close to £90k, which seems a snip considering they go for upwards of £150k today, but at the time many were put off by the price tag meaning the Z8 sat idly on forecourts while car buyers opted for something affordable instead. Fast-forward to 2021 and with retro/classic cars very much in vogue those who passed up the opportunity are the same people now desperately trying to snap one up. Why should you get one of these? Well, not only does the Z8 boast a top speed of 155mph (limited) and an impressive 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds, it’s also a thrill to drive. The sound of the V8 purring is as good today as it was twenty years ago and with the hood down and the wind in your hair you’ll be driving this thing like 007 himself.

3. Ford Mustang Mach 1

You can tell a lot about a person by the car that they drive and much like its owner no car has stood the test of time better than the Ford Mustang and with a 2021 model on the roads there’s never been a better time to get behind the wheel. High performance muscle cars don’t get much more iconic than the beautifully crafted Mustang. Ever versatile, the iconic Ford continues to turn heads of young and old. The latest iteration is the 5-litre V8-powered Mach 1 that sits on bespoke 19-inch aluminium wheels. You’re looking at a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds. The six-speed manual gearbox provides the ultimate in driving experience that will have you as excited as the day you passed your driving test. Prices start at £55,000.

4. Audi RS E-tron GT

If you haven’t yet bought yourself an electric car you’re missing out on the new kind of driving experience. Gone are the days of worrying about your battery-powered car losing charge, the E-tron gives you an impressive 250 miles with ultra-quick charging just 22 minutes will top it up by 80%. Available this year, this twin electric beauty reaches 62mph in less than 3.5 seconds and develops 590bhp.

Despite being super sporty it’s also incredibly practical with four doors, comfortable interior and long-lasting battery life it’s an exceptional motor whether you’re heading out on the open road to enjoy its performance or running an errand in the city. In the UK vehicles fuelled purely by petrol and diesel will be banned by 2030 so the switch to electric makes perfect sense. Not to mention the £1.3 billion being invested in electric vehicle charging points as part of the government’s plan. The Audi RS E-tron GT will set you back around £110,000.

5. 2022 Porsche 911 GTS

Your 55th birthday warrants a five star car and the new Porsche 911 is almost as perfect as a car can be. Still full of life, the iconic 911 shape makes the motor instantly recognisable and continues to turn heads long after the first model was released back in 1963. So what’s new? The 2022 GTS version is available in all wheel drive with a seven-speed manual transmission meaning it punches harder than a heavyweight at the opening bell. The 20-inch front and 21-inch back wheels hug the road in all conditions so you get maximum performance all year round. The 911 Carrera GTS Coupe is expected to retail upwards of £100,000 but it’s worth every penny. The GTS version offers more in the way of power, excitement and performance than standard models so rather than looking back at 911’s of yesteryear you’ll be looking forward to the journey ahead.

Written by Nick Watkins