Morgan Plus 4

Nearly all new cars have evolved over several years in terms of design and technology. One prime example that has done the opposite is the Morgan Plus 4. Morgan first produced the Plus 4 in the 1950s, and it hasn't changed much since. The British boutique automaker is classified as a low volume manufacturer in the U.S., in which a limited number of units are exported each year without having to comply with federal regulations. The most up-to-date version of the Plus 4 is powered by a Ford-sourced 2.0-liter inline-four producing 154 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a 118 mph top speed. Paired to the Plus 4's 4-cylinder is a 5-speed manual. In addition, the Plus 4's build quality has improved greatly since its early days. Its designers crafted it in a way that made practicality the least of its concerns. Pricing for the Morgan Plus 4 starts at just under $70k. Other models based on the traditional Morgan roadster consist of the 4/4, Plus 6, Plus 8, and 4-Seater; the main distinction between each of these models is either the engine or seating configuration. It may not perform as well as it looks, but few cars can provide the fun, completely analog experience and nostalgia effect that the Morgan Plus 4 can.

Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta

The Speciale Aperta is the top-down track-focused model in the 458 range. It is also the last 458 model released before it was replaced by the 488 and the last naturally aspirated V8 Prancing Horse ever made. The 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the 458 Speciale Aperta is increased to 597 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, launching the vehicle from 0 to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. The Speciale Aperta's most distinctive features from the standard 458 Spider are the vented, more aggressive front and rear ends. A total of 499 units of the 458 Speciale Aperta were produced from 2014 to 2015. When it was new, the 458 Speciale Aperta was the most powerful convertible in Ferrari's history until it was dethroned by the LaFerrari Aperta in 2017. On average, the 458 Speciale Aperta is currently valued at around $700,000. It is an amazing, wonderful supercar that marked the end of an era for Ferrari.

Included in this post below is the base Ferrari 458 Italia. Both of these examples were showcased at the Ferrari dealer in Beverly Hills over four months ago.

Bentley Continental GT (2019-)

The Bentley Continental GT was redesigned for the 2019 model year and is currently in its third generation. Like the previous model, the new Continental GT has two engine options: a twin-turbo V8 and a twin-turbo W12. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, while its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph occurs in 3.4 seconds for the V8 model and 3.3 seconds for the W12 model, carrying a top speed of 207 mph. Both V8 and V12 Continental GT models come standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual clutch. Every Bentley model that offers both a V8 and V12 are designated by the color of the center of their Flying B logos; W12 models have black Flying B's while V8 models have red Flying B's. As you would expect from a Bentley, the interior of the current Continental GT is top notch, covered in the finest leather and wood trim. Its backseats aren't very spacious, but there is plenty of room in the trunk for luggage and other cargo. The current Continental GT also has a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which can rotate between a traditional display of three analog gauges showing the time, the air temperature outside, and a compass. In addition, like most new luxury vehicles, the new Continental GT contains a digital gauge cluster configured by buttons on the steering wheel. Pricing for the third-gen Bentley Continental GT starts at $207,825 for the V8 models and $224,225 for the W12 models. All in all, the Continental GT is my favorite car to wear the Flying B, and it looks sleeker, more comfortable, and better than ever before.

Included in this post is a Clemson-themed second-gen Bentley Continental GTC.