Spyker Day
September 2009

Spyker together with Broughtons invited customers plus one for a special day out at Silverstone to test drive the current model line up and watch some racing.

I was a lucky plus one.

Following the short life of the silver Spyker on our car pages, a replacement was collected Friday, this time is a stunning Gun metal gray. The darker colours really set off the aluminium details which adorn the car. The drive up to Silverstone saturday morning was no less impressive, with pin-you-to-your-seat acceleration and the wonderful growl of the Audi RS4 V8 just behind you. The Spyker is an evocative shape and catches the eye of everyone it passes. However its the interior which is the most impressive.

On arrival we were greeted with VIP passes, coffee and pastries with the new C8 Aileron proudly on display. Following introductions we were given a presentation on the history of Spyker which dates back to 1898 and boasts achievements like the first 4 wheel drive system in 1907.

Before lunch we were given a tour of the Private members club with their enviable viewing platform of the Silverstone grid. It was what awaited us after lunch that we were all excited about.

After signing up to a £5,000 excess on the insurance we split into the various cars awaiting us. The line up consisted on their C8 Laviolette SWB, C8 Spyder SWB, C8 Laviolette LM85 and their all new C8 Aileron.

First up was for me to drive the LM87.

Heading out of Silverstone, the insurance excess was at the forefront of my mind, but once out into the countryside, I was totally focused. The LM was a little stiff for the poorly surfaced back roads, but the steering and pedal feel was superb and provided superb control. The gear change slick and lighter than you first imagine looking at the lever in the cabin. The seats were a perfect mix of supportive yet comfortable. The only thing that really made pressing in hard was the poor visibility from teh orange screen banner.

Following a pub stop we switched cars and it was now the turn of the Spyder. With no header rail and no roof, the views were completely uninterrupted and visiabilty was certainly not an issue. Forwards anyway. The rear view mirror was a waste of space as the folder hood blocked any kind of rearward vision. On the move its slightly softer set up made progress less of a fight on the back roads but I preferred the harder feel of the steering and pedals in the LM. As a totally bespoke product, I'm sure Spyker would be happy to give a Spyder the feel of the LM. But then again I am used to a 30 year old car with no aides what so ever, so the softer feel would probably suit most drivers. Acceleration is addictive and you would never tire of the scissor doors.

More exclusive than a Ferrari or Lamborghini but with a price tag that proves that point, rest assured this is an amazing car and is on my list of dream cars. Of course I would have to sell the house to obtain that dream.