We might have majored on the classic British sports car recently, but there are plenty of alternatives that hail from across the water.

One thing is clear from our selection of sports machines: it’s the British marques that really understood how to build an accessible roadster. From AC to TVR, there’s an open classic for everyone – ironic perhaps, considering the UK’s famously damp climate.

Move abroad and the picture changes, with Fiat and Alfa Romeo flying the flag at the budget end of the market. But above that, availability becomes a little less free and easy, with an increasingly limited choice.

However, what you lose in quantity you gain in quality, with some stunning sports cars taking the fight to the British. Our classic choices should prove food for thought for all those who haven’t considered looking abroad.

 

£100,000
Porsche Speedster
The porsche 356 Speedster is enjoying a clear case of cult status right now, and for good reason. It was built very much with Club Sport racing in mind and, as a result, is lighter than other 356s and an absolute delight to drive. It is not uncommon for these gems to change hands for £100,000 but if you can’t stomach that there is at least a selection of replicas of varying quality to choose from.

£5000
Fiat 124 Spider
As an alternative to the MGB, these cars make a great deal of sense if you put driving enjoyment ahead of parts availability and social networking. The Pininfarina-styled roadster is powered by Fiat’s excellent twin-cam, and even in the original 1.4-litre form is quicker and sweeter than its British rival. Five grand will buy you a perfectly usable, (fairly) rust-free example, and as to be expected, the more prized early cars are worth rather more.

£15,000
Chevrolet Corvette
Europhiles tend to look down their noses at the C4 generation Corvette, but as a (reliable) V8-powered alternative to a TVR 450SE these cars make a great deal of sense. The art to buying a Corvette comes down to finding the best car cosmetically, as the simple mechanical layout means the cars are mechanically tough. Specialist support is good in the UK, and parts are cheap for a car with so much performance. A real bargain at current prices.

£25,000
Alfa Giulietta
We offer no apologies for offering you another Italian. Your £25,000 might buy you only a 1.3-litre twin-cam – compared with an Austin-Healey 3000 for example – but what a gem these cars are. Tight and fun to drive, rorty and stylish, they offer a suitably cerebral alternative to their UK rivals. As with an MG or Triumph, parts availability for the Giulietta Spider is excellent, as is specialist support – so your head can rule your heart when buying an Alfa.