While the cost of renting one of these beauties may be significantly higher than the usual practical runarounds, for true petrol heads the memories will be worth it! Imagine how much better your holiday would be if you got to drive one of these back from the airport… let’s take a look at some of the spicier rental options out there.

McLaren MP4-12C

Costing an eye-watering £212,000 to buy, the McLaren MP4-12C is the British company’s recent follow up to the world-beating McLaren F1, which claimed the title of ‘world’s fastest production car’ in 1998. The MP4-12C was launched in 2011, and boasts 600BHP, launching it from 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds and up to a top speed of over 200mph. Maybe take this one to Germany… rental price? £1,134.30 for one day, plus an excess charge of £5,000!

Ferrari 458 Italia

Ferrari’s replacement for the F430, the 458 Italia was a complete redesign drawing heavily from Ferrari’s Formula 1 experience. The explosive 4.5 litre V8 engine in the 458 holds the world record for most power per litre in a production car engine (normally-aspirated), allowing this Ferrari to reach 62mph in under 3.4 seconds. Cheaper than the McLaren (just) at £826.50 to rent for a day!

Lamborghini LP560-4 Bicolore

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 was released in 2008 with a new 5.2 litre V10 under the bonnet and decreased weight overall. Despite looking like a million dollars, this 200mph, 560BHP monster can be rented out for just £564.30 per day! Bargain!

Mercedes SLS

This gullwing-door grand tourer is Mercedes’ ‘spiritual successor’ to the legendary 300SL Gullwing, launched in 1954. The SLS has been used as the safety car at Formula 1 races since 2011, with its 6.2 litre V8 engine propelling it to 62mph and a top speed of just under 200mph. To rent? £621.30 per day.

Aston Martin DB9

Despite getting a bit long in the tooth now, the Aston Martin DB9 still looks fabulous. Popular with the more discerning, less hormonally-driven car fan, the 190mph DB9 is still more than capable of a little automotive hooliganism. From £450.30 to rent for a day.

Maserati Gran Cabrio

This 2+2 cabrio from Maserati is hardly what you’d call practical, but you can at least squash in a couple of small ones in the rear seats and maybe even a suitcase in the boot. The 4.2 litre V8 will provide plenty of fun, however, and a slightly less extreme ride than some of the more red-blooded models above. £427.50 per day.

Mercedes C63 AMG

A proper four-seat Mercedes coupe this one, albeit one that has been brutalised by AMG, Mercedes Benz’s performance wing. The 6.7 litre V8 powerhouse under the bonnet is complemented by upgraded gearbox, suspension, wheels, aero package and just about everything else over the standard C-Class coupe. 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds should keep the kids quiet, and for only £199.50 a day, it seems like a waste of money renting anything more tame!
So… if money (and environmental conscience) were no object, what car would you choose?