Wheeler Dealers: Season 5 (2008)

We Brits have a certain loyalty to Lotus. It is one of the few manufacturers that still represent that 'best of British' mindset from back in the day. So, we were hardly astounded to find that the Esprit - with its stunning exterior and somewhat questionable underpinnings - has risen by nearly £17,000 in value.

Speaking of which, have you seen the price of a Bentley Mulsanne Turbo from the 1980s? For the relatively princely sum of £12,000, you get a huge 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 engine and a ton of leather and walnut.

As is the case with any vintage luxury car that was hideously expensive during its prime, the cost of maintenance does have the potential to be ruinous. Then again, it is hard to argue with the sheer amount of car for the money. Mike picked up his example for £3,250 in 2008, which is quite incredible really.