words: Bill, photos: RM Sotheby’s
You may or may not know this but the 1st generation Spyker C8s are powered bu Audi’s 4.2L V8. It’s not the high-revving one found in the RS 4 but rather the V8 found in the B6/7 S4. Spyker itself says that a Spyker isn’t your 1sr supercar; it’s your eighth. The original Spyker not only manufactured cars but also fighter aircrafts. You can see this history in their logo and also in some design features. Here’s the ad:
- One of just 121 C8 Spyders produced; one of four finished in yellow over quilted black leather; and one of only 15 factory-equipped with a periscope rearview mirror
- Showing just over 800 miles at time of cataloguing
- Powered by a 400-hp 4.2-liter Audi V-8 engine
- Riding on factory 19-inch “aeroblade” wheels with Michelin PilotSport tires
- Accompanied by a build history report by Spyker specialist Jasper den Dopper
The Dutch are known for many things, but automobiles are not one of them. A hundred years ago, however, brothers Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker built some of the world’s best machines from their garage in Amsterdam. Revolutionary for the early 20th century, Spijker cars featured six-cylinder engines, all-wheel drive, and brakes on all four wheels.
Their cars competed in some of the most grueling races of the period, including the 10,000-mile Peking to Paris race of 1905, while fighter planes with Spijker engines soared the skies during World War 1. Unfortunately, over-expansion and financial mismanagement post-war saw this incredible company fall into bankruptcy and dissolve.
Still heralded by the original company’s slogan of Nulla tenaci invia est via, meaning, “For the tenacious, no road is impassable,” Holland’s Spyker would reemerge 75 years later. Debuting at Britain’s Birmingham Motor Show in 2000, the radical C8 Spyder was a complete stylistic departure from anything that preceded it. Design elements throughout paid homage to the company’s automotive and aeronautical legacy, most notably its aluminum spaceframe construction, fuselage-type styling, rear “cannon-port” vents, a prominent, wide grille intake, and “aeroblade” wheels with spokes shaped like propeller blades.
Sliding into the cabin, the driver is met by yet more aerospace inspired touches. A flat aluminum dash wears an intricate, machine-turned pattern while the gauges are all surrounded by chrome bezels and backlit in a striking shade of green. Rows of toggle switches, one of many features which skirt federal regulations due to the Spyker’s limited production numbers, mimic an airplane’s instrument panel. An open shift gate and billet machined pedal box, both with exposed linkages, continue the aerospace experience.
With a race-bred, double wishbone, fully independent suspension, six-speed Getrag transaxle, and a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter Audi V-8 engine, the C8 Spyder immediately became a force to be reckoned with in the supercar marketplace.
One of just 121 constructed, this bespoke Dutch supercar sports several desirable factory options. Showing just over 800 miles at time of cataloguing, it is one of only four examples finished in striking yellow over optional quilted black leather with yellow stitching. Furthering its unique specification, this Spyker Spyder is one of 15 examples factory equipped with the unusual periscope rear view mirror. Other factory options include 19-inch, “aeroblade” alloy wheels, four dashboard air-conditioning vents, side-window reinforcement bars, and a Spyker-branded oil filler cap. The car has been fitted with a desirable four-spoke Spyker propeller steering wheel, purchased from Spyker specialist Jasper den Dopper. The original steering wheel accompanies the sale, along with a service invoice detailing recent overhaul of the air-conditioning system at a cost of almost $2,000. From its quilted leather to its exposed shifter mechanism, billet machined pedal box, and optional features, this C8 Spyder exudes absolute precision.
The Spyker C8 Spyder is truly a fascinating and rarely seen convertible, extremely limited in production, with a striking design, aluminum construction, a potent V-8, and an engaging driving experience. Finished in a unique color scheme with various desirable factory features, this sparingly driven Spyker offers a supercar experience unlike any other.
I’ve always loved the interior of this car; so many details and that shifter is a work of art. This is at the RM Sotheby’s auction in Phoenix. It’s going on the block this Thursday and it’s estimated to go between $425,000 to $450,000. If you have never been to one of these auctions, it’s a pretty cool fast-paced environment. They have preview days where you can get close to the cars and ogle the fantastic machinery up for bid. The auctions themselves are a sight to see. So even if you aren’t in the market for one of these cars, go anyway…it’s memorable. You can find this 2008 Spyker C8 Spyder on RM Sotheby’s website HERE.
