TV Star’s Clever Classic Buys

Wheeler Dealers TV show presenter Mike Brewer tips 10 classics to buy now

BMW 635CSi (1983-1989) – £9000-37,000

‘This is the big coupé that meant business. Long bonnet, shark nose and a 3.5-litre straight-six that just purred along the autobahn. It was all about style and speed – leather, wood, and that classic BMW driver focus. It wasn’t just flash, either – it handled like a dream for its size. The 6 Series back then was pure class with a sporty edge. A true icon – I’d have one in a heartbeat.’

PORSCHE 911 GT3 (996) (1999-2005) – £70,000-88,000

‘Now this is the real deal! It’s the purist’s choice – no turbo trickery, just a screaming flat-six revving to the heavens. Track-ready but road-legal, with a chassis sharper than a butcher’s blade. The steering’s bang-on, the grip’s unreal, and it’s got that iconic 911 silhouette to boot. Every inch is engineered for speed and smiles. You don’t so much drive this car as actively pilot it. What an absolutely brilliant bit of kit this is!’

DATSUN 280Z (1975-1978) – £12,000-32,000

‘Now we’re talking classic Japanese muscle! This thing’s got proper presence – long bonnet, sleek lines and a 2.8-litre straight-six that purrs like a kitten and roars like a lion when you open it up. Built for the US market, it had a bit more weight but still handled a treat. It’s stylish, reliable and an absolute steal back in the day. A future classic? Too right it is!’

BMW M2 COMPETITION (2019-2023) – £25,000-33,000

‘This little beast is an absolute cracker! It’s got the heart of an M4 – a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six – stuffed into a compact, rear-wheel-drive chassis. It’s punchy, playful and built for proper driver thrills. Sharp steering, aggressive looks, and a soundtrack that’ll make you grin every time you blip the throttle. It’s like a hooligan in a tailored suit – refined but wild when you want it.’

JAGUAR Mk2 3.4 (1959-1967) – £14,000-35,000

‘What a stunner – proper British class on wheels. This was the gentleman’s express of the ‘Sixties with that silky 3.4-litre straight-six under the bonnet, gliding along like royalty. Leather, walnut, chrome – it’s all there. And don’t let the posh looks fool you – it could shift, too. Favoured by coppers and robbers – now that’s saying something! A real slice of motoring history, this one.’

FORD FIESTA RS TURBO (1990-1992) – £6000-18,000

‘Now this little beauty is a proper pocket rocket. This thing turned heads back in the early ’90s with its turbocharged 1.6-litre lump, chucking out a lively 133bhp. Light, nimble and packed with ‘period charm, it’s got all the right bits – Recaro seats, beefed-up bodywork and that distinctive RS badge. It’s the sort of motor that makes you grin from ear to ear. A proper fast Ford, and one of the cars supplied by me and Elvis on Wheeler Dealers Dream Car.’

NISSAN 370Z NISMO (2009-2013) – £17,000-26,000

‘Now this is what I call a driver’s car. It’s a beefed-up, tuned-up, no-nonsense sports coupé with a 3.7-litre V6 chucking out 339 horses. Nismo’s given it stiffer suspension, sharper steering, and proper race-bred styling – just look at those bumpers! It hugs the road like it’s glued down. And the noise? Glorious! It’s raw, it’s loud, it’s proper fun – the way a Zed car should be. Love it!’

SUNBEAM ALPINE V8 SPECIAL (1959-1968) – £5000-21,000

‘Now this is a proper sleeper – the Sunbeam Alpine V8! At first glance, it looks like a cute little sports car but pop the bonnet, and you’ve got a 3.5-litre V8 under there, courtesy of the Rover engine. It’s got a throaty growl, and with that rear-wheel-drive setup, it handles like a dream. Lightweight, classic British charm with a surprising punch. Not many know about these – but once you’ve driven one, you won’t forget it!’

MCLAREN 765LT XP SPIDER (2021-2023) – £340,000-400,000

‘This, my friends, is automotive madness! One of the rarest of the rare, with McLaren’s wild 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 pushing out a mind-blowing 755bhp. It’s light, loud, and lightning quick – 0-60mph in under three seconds! The XP stands for ‘experimental prototype’ so it’s even more exclusive. Carbon everywhere, roof off, wind in your hair – it’s the supercar dream, dialled all the way up to eleven. What an amazing machine!’

AUSTIN MINI MAYFAIR (1982-1996) – £4000-7000

‘Now this is a classic with style and character! Small in size but big on charm, this little gem packs in all the fun. Powered by a 998cc engine, it won’t win any races, but it’ll certainly have you grinning every time you take it round a corner. Inside, it’s got a bit more comfort than your average Mini – a touch of luxury, in fact. Fun, practical, and proper British motoring at its best.’