There’s nothing sweeter as an auto enthusiast than when happening upon a cheap used sports car with a special engine under the hood – at a price that’s almost too good to be true. The sound of twelve cylinders is like music to the ears of a car fan, the ultimate in charisma, charm, and prestige from a bygone era. Its unbelievable price is usually a double-edged sword – these depreciated and sometimes abandoned models represent a steal when working correctly, but are also a lure into a dangerous game of automotive Russian roulette when taken on without due diligence.
Related
10 V12-Powered Cars That Define Luxury
When effortless cruising and the thrum of twelve cylinders are needed, one of these older barges will also throw in all the luxury you could want.
10
Jaguar XJ-S V12 Coupe
Average Value: $13,200
Jaguar XJSJaguar
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.3-liter, NA V12
290 hp
295 lb-ft
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Built as a successor to the Jaguar E-Type, this comfortable cruiser was engineered with aerodynamics in mind. It featured an innovative design that included the iconic rear buttresses, long overhangs, and a healthy dose of English eccentricity. It was intended as a long-distance cruiser rather than a sports car but, like most classic Jaguar models, supplied adequate power for a good turn of speed. In this case, it was one of the few mass-produced twelve-cylinder engines of the era.
A coupe, convertible, and targa convertible were produced, with the addition of 2+2 models adding some extra practicality. The rear seats are small though and best suited to occasional use. Part of the appeal of the XJS (originally called the XJ-S) lies in its long-haul capability and unique design, as well as its large V12 engine up front. However, reliability and fuel economy are worth considering carefully before taking the plunge.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Elegant classic design
Smooth V12 character
Still undervalued
Complex maintenance
Inconsistent build quality
Not very sporty
9
Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (C215)
Average Value: $21,500
Mercedes-Benz CL600 (2003)Mercedes-Benz
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V12
493 hp
590 lb-ft
5/7-speed automatic
Mercedes-Benz’s CL-Class is a model line that existed from 1992 and lasted until 2014 when it was merged back into the S-Class coupe and convertible nomenclature. Based on the flagship S-Class but on a shorter platform, with two doors, this elite coupe offered the flagship’s most powerful engines and combined them with the kind of luxury that you could expect of the S-Class sedan. This generation is the second of three, with much more modern styling compared to its predecessor, and has arguably aged well.
Comfort features like ventilated seats were available and only the obvious lack of an infotainment system makes it feel all of its years on the inside. Earlier CL 600models (2000-2002) featured the 5.8-liter V12, naturally aspirated, but from 2003-2006 the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter was fitted, boosting power from 362 horsepower to 493 horses. The torque of this monster engine is as abundant as the comfort and luxury that also comes standard with a CL-Class.
Strengths
Weaknesses
V12 smoothness & power
Luxurious interior
Understated styling
High repair costs
Aging electronics
Heavy & less engaging
8
Mercedes-Benz SL 600 (R129)
Average Value: $24,800
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL600Classic Auto Mall
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
6.0-liter, NA V12
389 hp
420 lb-ft
4-speed automatic
Standing for the German translation of ‘Super Light’, the SL-Class is a predominantly convertible lineup of models that can trace its lineage back to the 300 SL, a road-going version of the racing car with iconic gullwing doors. This model is from the fourth generation of Mercedes-Benz SL models, produced from 1988 to 2001. It shows its age on the outside, especially compared to the successor, but the affordable SL 600 still offers a luxurious interior and the surprisingly powerful V12 engine that was fitted to the CL 600.
Some models on the used market are fitted with removable hard tops and the rest as proper convertibles, but all models feature the R129’s simple styling with a heavy 80s influence. These models are built for comfort and cruising ability over dynamics, so a softer, heavier feel is almost guaranteed compared to a real sports car.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Solid build quality
Retractable hardtop
Effortless cruiser
Expensive upkeep
Weighty handling
Outdated tech
Related
10 Cheap Used Cars With V12 Engines
V12s feel like they are reserved for only the most well-heeled drivers. But over the years, a few affordable V12s have slipped through the cracks.
7
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante
Average Value: $26,500
Aston Martin DB7 Vantage VolanteAston Martin
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.9-liter, NA V12
420 hp
400 lb-ft
5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Famously based on a platform that was also used by the Jaguar XK8, the Aston Martin DB7 is the more prestigious of the two even though it also features its fair share of components from Ford and even Mazda. The result is still arguably one of the most beautiful cars of its time and one that has aged gracefully, slowly morphing into the DB9, its successor, but continuing the design language that made the DB7 so elegant. Coupes and convertibles were produced, with the Volante drop-tops being slightly more affordable on average, according to Hagerty.
Despite some of the more affordable components or features, the DB7 is a luxurious and stylish grand tourer, set up for cruising rather than hitting apexes and winning drag races. A straight-six was fitted to the standard model while the V12 Vantage received the mighty Aston twelve-cylinder, boosting power from 335 horsepower to 420 horses, which is a worthwhile boost indeed. Since this was from the tail end of the 90s, the manual transmission was also still offered, which unlocks a truly sublime, analog driving experience but not one to be rushed.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Classic Aston styling
V12 charm
Convertible appeal
Ford-based interior
Spotty reliability
Tight cabin
6
BMW 850i (E31)
Average Value: $28,200
1992 BMW 850i front, right exterior photoBring A Trailer
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.0-liter, NA V12
296 hp
332 lb-ft
4-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Yet another grand tourer that was built for cruising at speed rather than being a benchmark on the track, the heavy 8 Series was essentially a commercial failure although enough were sold to make them reasonably common in the classifieds. It featured BMW’s first twelve-cylinder engine, which debuted in the flagship 7 Series a couple of years before, and incredibly, was offered with a manual transmission as well as an auto ‘box.
The focus was on comfort and refinement with an adequate turn of speed when necessary. Despite the legend of the V12, the 850i’s engine only offered 14 horsepower more than the 840Ci’s V8, which produced 282 horsepower. Torque was up by 37 pound-feet for the V12 though.
Today, these iconic models are favored for their supercar styling and pop-up headlamps, as well as the thirsty yet charismatic combination of a twelve-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. There’s lots to go wrong, but a well-looked-after example could be the ticket to many years of analog driving pleasure. The most sought-after examples are the 850CSi, which offers up to 375 horsepower, putting it a little closer to its supercar-chasing intentions.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Iconic design
V12 or V8 option
Rising collector value
Expensive parts
Heavy feel
Electronics prone to issues
5
Ferrari 400 GT
Average Value: $37,000
Ferrari 400Ferrari
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
4.8-liter, NA V12
340 hp
N/A
5-speed manual
When it comes to mainstream classic cars, the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, 400, and 412 are usually absent from the discussion due to their relatively unknown nature outside of enthusiast circles. This is perhaps due to the model’s slightly unconventional (for Ferrari) boxy looks, its modest performance, or its reasonably affordable price tag. That last one – the affordable Ferrari – should be enough to earn the 365/400/412 some popularity points, especially as this car came with a V12 engine up front, a manual transmission, and the kind of practicality you don’t get from a 348.
Ferrari’s 400 was named as such according to Ferrari’s historic naming method, based on the metric displacement of a single cylinder – in this case, 400 cc. The 400 from 1976 also marked the first use of an automatic transmission for a Ferrari, which changed the name to 400 Automatic for cars fitted as such, although the 365/400/412 range wasn’t sold in the US, despite being almost made for America thanks to its optional automatic three-speed GM transmission. Maintenance costs will surely be high, but it’s still one of the most affordable Ferraris you can buy.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Affordable V12 Ferrari
Elegant grand tourer
Vintage appeal
Styling acquired taste
Not very powerful
Limited recognition
Related
The Smallest Displacement V12 Engine Ever Put In A Production Car
Ferrari’s compact V-12 engine powered its first ever car and would remain in use until 1989 after undergoing several size increases.
4
Aston Martin DB9
Average Value: $42,600
Pre-Facelift Aston Martin DB9 CoupeBring a Trailer
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.9-liter, NA V12
450 hp
420 lb-ft
6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
The successor to the DB7 was just as beautiful and has arguably aged very well. This model was an entirely new vehicle with a generous use of lightweight materials, but the engine was still classic Aston and featured the 5.9-liter V12 once more, this time with no six-cylinder variant. A Volante convertible was also produced for this generation. Despite the use of some lightweight materials in its construction, the DB9 is still a relatively heavy machine and was built to be the ultimate grand tourer, with a focus on comfort rather than the intention of being a Ferrari 599-beater.
Despite this, the DB9 is generally regarded as being sharper and better handling than the DB7, a big step forward in design and engineering but retaining the elegant and recognizable design that started with the DB7. While values are still relatively low, they are likely to climb and ownership costs are still worthy of consideration before taking the plunge. If you do take the plunge, the manual is the one to have, a feature that disappeared for the subsequent DB11.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Timeless design
Strong V12 engine
Prestige factor
Harsh ride quality
Tight rear space
Not very tech-filled
3
Ferrari 456 GTA
Average Value: $50,900
1996 Ferrari 456 GTA, front quarter, side profile viewFerrari
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.5-liter, NA V12
436 hp
406 lb-ft
4-speed automatic
The cheapest Ferrari 456 models are the automatic versions, called the GTA, since the manual models are sought after more strongly with a $30,000 premium on average, according to Hagerty. This model is a pure grand tourer, one of Ferrari’s memorable front-engined V12 models that replaced the boxy 412. It was followed by the 612 Scaglietti. Only coupes were made and this represents one of the last affordable Ferraris, offering great value thanks to its big V12 engine up front and beautiful Pininfarina styling.
Many sources suggest that the F116 twelve-cylinder is reliable and strong too, but as we know already, there are no cheap Ferrari services, so maintenance will be expensive even if your 456 is in perfect condition. Inside, the cabin is typically luxurious and well-put-together, with lashings of quality leather. The automatic version loses the glorious open-gate transmission, but as a cruiser, the auto ‘box isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Practical Ferrari
Gorgeous proportions
V12 power
Automatic transmission
High running costs
Low production support
2
Jaguar E-Type Series 3
Average Value: $51,600
1973 Jaguar E-Type Roadster V12 4-SpeedBring A Trailer
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
5.3-liter, NA V12
272 hp
304 lb-ft
3-speed automatic, 4-speed manual
This car’s value is not likely to go down any time soon, and at over $50,000, it’s an expensive ticket to the classic Jaguar club. Famed for its style, engineering, and performance, the Jaguar E-Type followed the D-Type and its XKSS road-going variants. It was reasonably lightweight, produced as a coupe or convertible (or 2+2 coupe) over three generations, with engines ranging from a six-cylinder for the first two generations to the V12 used for the third.
Despite its twelve-cylinder engine, the third-and-final E-Type SIII is not the most valuable generation, with the highest values going to the SI and, particularly, the smaller-engined 3.8-liter model. SIIs are even more affordable and, according to Hagerty, are worth just $44,000. Reliability and repairs may be an issue for those wishing to run a cheap E-Type on a budget, but there’s nothing else like it on the road.
Strengths
Weaknesses
V12 engine
Classic and iconic styling
Improved comfort over predecessors
Heavier than predecessors
Maintenance costs and reliability
Lacks the prestige of earlier models
Related
The Last BMW V-12 That Had So Much Torque It Launched In Second Gear
Marking the end of BMW’s legendary V12 era, the M760i remains a rare and powerful masterpiece that blends brute force with executive-class luxury.
1
Wildcard Entry: Bentley Continental GT
Average Value: $20,400
Bentley Continental GT (2003), front 3/4Bentley
Engine
Power
Torque
Transmission
6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged W12
552 hp
479 lb-ft
6-speed automatic
This model features a twelve-cylinder engine too, but the setup is different – two narrow-bank VR6s connected together in a compact ‘W’. It’s an engine that was also used in the Volkswagen Phaeton, Audi A8, and various others. As one of the most luxurious yet affordable twelve-cylinder cars you can buy on the used market, it arguably deserves a mention. Bentley’s Continental GT marked a new era for the brand.
Under Volkswagen’s ownership, it was the brand’s first mass-produced model and brought together luxury, performance, and all-wheel drive in a sleek grand tourer package. A monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 produced 552 horsepower and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is no mean feat for a car that tips the scales at more than 5,000 pounds.
All the usual financial risks are present, but it’s clear that for the money, it would be hard to find anything as prestigious, powerful, luxurious, and dangerous all in one package. All-wheel drive adds to its usability and the engine should be robust if maintained correctly. A superb continent-crosser that will turn heads wherever you decide to park.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Incredible luxury
Strong W12
Great value
Very heavy
Complex electronics
Steep service costs