2010 Spyker C8 Aileron

Some cars are meant for everyday driving. Others possess special characteristics, but may be wholly acceptable for daily commutes. A handful of vehicles are best suited for occasional use.


Naturally, supercars—like the new Spyker C8 Aileron—emphatically fall into the now-and-then category. Of course, when prices top $200,000, most buyers aren't likely to fret about when and where to enjoy the car. The latest version of this Dutch-built supercar wears scissors-style doors, and can be had with the company's first automatic transmission.

Spyker History

Although the Dutch company has a near-legendary history, starting as a coachbuilding firm, Spyker is far from a familiar nameplate. In 1898, brothers Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spyker, of Amsterdam, built a Benz-engined automobile. That led to a series of production models. In 1907, Spyker competed in the renowned Peking-to-Paris race. During the teens, Spyker became known for racing victories and speed records, while producing luxury motorcars. According to sales spokesman JP Clinging, Spyker claims credit for the first all-wheel-drive model, as well as four-wheel brakes.


In 1914, Spyker came up with the company's axiom, which remains today: "Nulla tenaci invia est via" ("For the tenacious, no road is impassable."). In that year, the company merged with the Dutch Aircraft Factory. Production halted during World War I, then resumed; but Spyker faded away in 1925.


"Re-founded" in 2000, after a 75-year absence, the Spyker organization soon announced entry into the super sports car market. The new Spyker first appeared at the New York Auto Show in 2003, introducing the C8 series. The latest C8 Aileron is the second-generation car from the modern Spyker company, which also produces a C8 Spyker (convertible) and Laviolette hardtop coupe.

“Automotive Jewelry”

Especially low and long, the Aileron might be dubbed racy-risque, loaded with turbine-themed air scoops that were inspired by Spyker's aeronautical background. Other C8 models follow a propeller motif, which is contained along with a wire wheel in the company's logo.


Seating two occupants, the mid-engined C8 Aileron is built from aluminum on an "ultra-stiff" space frame, with lightweight construction uppermost in mind. Handcrafted body panels come from Coventry, in Britain. Single-hinged scissors-style doors raise easily to allow passengers to enter the cockpit.