Here are 10 used retro convertibles we found for under £10k this week

Strong retro vibes in this Elan SE turbo, particularly because of those pop-up headlights. There’s a 16-valve four-pot beneath the bonnet which sends 162bhp to the front wheels, but since the Elan weighs just over a tonne, it’ll be a laugh on the right road. Still looks to be in good nick, too.

Here's a solid example of the original Boxster, fitted with the sought-after 3.2-litre flat-six and six-speed manual. Finished in a classy shade of ‘Basalt Black’ metallic over cinnamon tan leather upholstery, it gets a comprehensive list of equipment including 18in alloys, heated seats and a sports exhaust. Yep, very much loaded.

If you want your six cylinders with a pinch of Italian seasoning, here’s an Alfa Spider that’s both rarer and prettier than the Porsche. Those gorgeous looks have done just 68,000 miles and could be yours for £7.5k.

Still a lesson on how to style a car. This fourth-gen example of Merc’s long-standing drop-top gets ‘Azurite Blue’ metallic paint, beige leather and properly retro 17in AMG-style shoes. Since it’s the ‘500’, you’re propelled by an all-natural 5.0-litre V8 that’s rated at 320bhp. 0-62mph? That’ll be just 6.5s en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Impressive.

The S2K’s original ‘F20C’ nat-asp 2.0-litre inline-four is superb as is: punchy, rev-happy and incredibly reliable. This one’s been engine-swapped with a bigger 2.4-litre ‘K24’ unit though, which offers more mid-range torque and a little extra power. Other track-focused modifications include racing coilovers and revised drop links, making it the perfect car for living out your Fast and Furious villain fantasies.

It’s been a little frantic up to this point, talking about acceleration and redlines and whatnot. So here’s the first of two more relaxed options: an E30 318i. It’s said to be one of just 50 ‘Design Edition’ cars made in the rather glorious ‘Neon Green’ paint. £7,900 seems a small price to pay for infinite cool.

The XJS is comparable in length to most Boeing 737s, so it needs a great big V12 to haul it around. One advantage of its size is the acres of space you get - probably more than most 737 passengers do - and combined with the dark wood trim and thickly cushioned seats, creates the ideal conditions for tranquil motoring. Much want with this one.

Of course there'd be an MX-5. It's the law. This limited-edition ‘S-Special’ boasts less than 50,000 miles to its name and the same owner since 1992. Not an ounce of rust on it either, before you ask.

This may ‘only’ be an entry-level Chimaera with a modest 246bhp/270lb ft, but that 4.0-litre Rover V8 produces as much noise as an East London chicken shop after school. Best give your neighbours some prior warning. Old TVR, after all.

A V8-powered American sports car dressed up like Knight Rider. Magic. The removable Targa roof on this C4 'Vette means you can hear that eight-pot do its thing more clearly, but reckon you can negotiate the price down a bit?