As proven by our selection of five dashing cars starting at just over £2000, timeless good looks shouldn't break the bank – although the running costs of some might cause your branch manager to wince…

1. Jensen Interceptor (1966-1976)

This stunning British GT burbled onto the streets in 1966, and its Italianate styling, muscular American engine and 140mph ability proved an intoxicating combination. The four-wheel-drive FF was less unruly than the wild standard model, but a 325bhp 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 meant both were superb fun to drive. Nothing’s changed in that respect, but economy that was low enough to raise eyebrows in the carefree 1960s is terrifying today. A readily available and fairly well priced spares aftermarket sweetens the prospect of running such a classic, but the fragile bodywork can be expensive to keep on top of. So, while c.£2000 may get you a rough one, perhaps saving £20,000-plus for a sound example might be a better idea…

2. Porsche 928 (1978-1995)

Zero to 60mph in 6.5sec and 155mph flat-out: not bad for a car approaching its 40th birthday. Its stylish curves and 4.5-litre V8 stood out among contemporary 1970s rivals, while the engine’s forward positioning and water- rather than air-cooling were in-house milestones. Again, £2000 may get you a rough one but £10,000-plus will buy a decent later, faster but chubbier example. The highly desirable, far cooler and much more aerodynamic-looking early cars are rather more… Regardless, you’ll enjoy the perfectly weighted handling and high grip levels from the Pirelli P7 tyres. Try to hold out for the auto option, too: it’s a lot of fun!

3. Alfa Romeo GTV Spider (1995-2006)

A pert rump, elegant nose and brace of characterful-performing – and sounding – engines summed up Italian soft-top style at its very best. The larger 218bhp 3.0-litre V6 gave the beautiful Spider a 150mph top end and 6.5sec 0-60mph sprint time, but many aficionados laud the balance of the lively 150bhp 2.0-litre Twin Spark. Both were agile and engaging; real soul-stirring stuff. Examples are obtainable for £2000, but check they have a service history. Fabric roofs are expensive to replace as well. We’re playing devil’s advocate here when we say serious drivers may prefer the stiffer, more involving Coupé version, too...

4. Bentley Arnage (2002-2009)

The massive Arnage is in stark contrast to the sports cars and GTs mentioned so far, but don’t let its bulk deceive you: its 459bhp twin-turbo 6.75-litre V8 can power this 2.5-tonne leviathan from 0-60mph in a mere 5.5sec and on to an astounding 170mph. Now that’s what we call old-school muscle! Its excellent handling also defies its size, and experts can even make it drift. The surprisingly intimate cabin is a cathedral to opulence – all leather, wood and thick-pile carpet – yet a £2000 budget will undoubtedly bring more than your fair share of restoration-needy issues. A £25,000 tag is more realistic – but ensure you have plenty of cash in reserve, because running costs won’t be cheap.

5. Fiat Coupé (1993-2000)

As with the Jensen, this is another foreign ‘imposter’ that hints at Italian automotive styling to great effect. The four-seater French Coupé was actually styled by controversial American designer Chris Bangle, who worked in Spatialist-style slashes and Ferrari-esque tail-lights. Further elegant detailing includes bubble headlights, a cast alloy petrol cap and a racy Pininfarina-designed cabin with body-coloured metal dash and door caps. Two-litre in-line fours graced the early examples; later cars got the then-new five-cylinders, topped by the surefooted 155mph 217bhp turbo. Fun behind the wheel characterised all models. Condition is key; £2k buys a good one, modified examples are best left well alone.

By Sarah Bradley