Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee July Newsletter

The Driver's Briefing – Event Highlights & Updates

By: Event President & Co-Host - Connor Wohl

7/1/2025

May & June Show Recap: Record Turnouts, Rare Cars & What's Next 

With both our May and June events behind us—and after just getting back from an unforgettable trip to the 24 Hours of Le Mans—I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum building around Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee and the amazing community we've grown together here in the South Bay.

Our June show was one of our most well-attended events to date, filled with an incredible variety of cars and a wave of new enthusiasts joining us. The mix of vehicles was truly something special—everything from rare classics to unique builds and modern exotics. It's always exciting to see how the event evolves month after month, and this one felt like another big step forward.

That said, May deserves its own spotlight too. That show set the tone for summer in the best way possible. By 7:30 AM, Collectors Row was packed, and we ended up with over 200 cars on display. One of the true highlights was the arrival of a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3—deep blue with a white-and-red center stripe and blue Alcantara interior. It was jaw-dropping in every sense. We also had a Renault Turbo, a reimagined Porsche by Singer, and a stunning 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0, among others. Shoutout to Arcade Cars for bringing their beautifully restored G-Wagon—a great example of how well classic design and modern craftsmanship can come together.

Of course, none of this would be complete without the good vibes and great coffee. Huge thanks to Pit Stop Bakery for keeping everyone fueled, and to Ryan Magee for capturing the morning through his lens—if you haven't seen the photo gallery yet, it's live now on our site.

Looking ahead, we're keeping the momentum going with our next event on Saturday, July 26th from 8:00–10:00 AM at The Point in El Segundo. As always, the event is free and open to all makes and models—no RSVP needed. If you're hoping to park on Collectors Row, we suggest arriving early. And if you're planning to bring a hypercar, extremely rare classic, or notable race car, feel free to submit a request for a reserved spot using the link below.

Thanks again for being such an awesome part of the MB C&C community. Each month gets better because of you, and I can't wait to see what July brings. Hope to see you there!

MB Motoring Market Watch: Is It Time to Buy a First-Gen Audi R8 V8? 

Enthusiast Car Trends, Future Classic Spotlights, and Online Auction Highlights 

As the host of Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee, I get the unique privilege of speaking with enthusiasts from all corners of the car world—whether it's pre-war classics, modern exotics, JDM legends, or offbeat oddballs. These conversations don't just fuel my passion for all things automotive; they also give me a broad, real-time view of where the enthusiast market is headed.

At our May event, I had a chance to speak with a regular attendee and local enthusiast who owns a 2014 Audi R8 V8 Convertible. It was one of those quick but insightful conversations that stuck with me—he'd owned the car for a few years and couldn't say enough good things. Compared to other cars in its category, he found the R8 V8 remarkably easy to live with: lower maintenance costs, rewarding driving dynamics, and a package that felt exotic without being over-the-top. His car, finished in a stunning dark blue with rare extended leather and diamond-stitched interior, was also one of the later V8 models before Audi phased the engine out after the 2015 model year.

That conversation reignited my appreciation for the first-generation Audi R8, particularly the V8-powered examples. Introduced in 2008 and running through 2015, the original R8 was Audi's bold entry into the supercar space. It didn't just borrow performance parts from the RS lineup—it redefined them. Under the hood (or rather, behind the seats), the R8 V8 packed a 4.2-liter FSI engine, complete with dry-sump lubrication, producing 430 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. With a 0–60 mph time of about 4.4 seconds and a top speed around 185 mph, it offered serious pace. Many examples came fitted with Audi Magnetic Ride, a suspension system that adapts in real time to road conditions—something that's still high-end today. You'll also find ventilated, cross-drilled discs with red calipers as standard fare.

But what really makes the R8 V8 shine today is the value it represents in 2025. You can now pick up a well-kept later model V8 Coupe or Spyder in the $60K–$70K range. That's roughly the same price as a new BMW M340i or Audi S5—both great cars, sure, but they'll never deliver the visceral feel of a mid-engine, naturally aspirated V8 supercar. The R8 originally carried an MSRP around $140,000, making its current resale value an enthusiast's dream. Even more interesting: as of this writing, only one private-party V8 Spyder was listed for sale nationwide. Most are dealer-owned, which tells me two things—these cars are being recognized by retailers for their long-term desirability, and the truly great examples are quietly changing hands among informed owners.

Of course, like any aging exotic, the R8 V8 isn't perfect. Early DSG (R-Tronic) transmissions can be temperamental, and service history matters. But with clean ownership records and mileage under 30,000, you're getting a refined, high-revving supercar that's surprisingly livable. The cabin is classic Audi—functional and high-quality—and while the R8 isn't small, its short hood and mid-engine layout make it feel connected to the road in a way few cars do. And then there's the sound: a raw, metallic growl that makes every drive feel like an occasion.

So, is now the time to buy one? I'd argue yes—especially if you're eyeing a clean, later-model V8 Coupe or Spyder. In a world quickly transitioning to hybrids and EVs, the idea of owning a naturally aspirated, design-forward V8 that still turns heads and holds its own is becoming increasingly rare.

Recent Market Data – Bring a Trailer Sales (Spring 2025)

• 2015 Audi R8 V8 Coupe – 17k miles, sold for $81,000 on 5/20/25
• 2014 Audi R8 Spyder – 11k miles, sold for $69,944 on 4/5/25
• 2014 Audi R8 Spyder – Bid to $60,000 on 6/6/25
• 2012 Audi R8 V8 Coupe – 21k miles, sold for $67,500 on 4/21/25

These figures reinforce the current trend: low-mileage, well-maintained examples are holding strong, especially later-year Spyders and Coupes. The difference between a $60K car and an $80K car in this market often comes down to miles, transmission choice, and documentation. If you're shopping, aim for examples with under 30K miles, full service records, and ideally two or fewer owners.

The supply is tight, prices are holding, and interest is rising. The window for picking up a first-gen Audi R8 V8 at what feels like a "reasonable" price might not be open for much longer.

If you're looking for an analog-feeling, design-forward, naturally aspirated V8 supercar that blends everyday usability with genuine performance, this may be one of the best opportunities left in the segment.

What do you think? Would you add one to your garage?