Donkervoort S8 classic cars for sale

History of the Donkervoort S8

Joop Donkervoort launched his car company in 1978, driven by his fascination with uncompromising lightweight sports cars. Building on lessons learned from the Lotus 7, Donkervoort introduced his second series production model, the S8, in 1982. The S8 was manufactured primarily in Loosdrecht, Netherlands, characterized from the start by its minimal mass and raw construction technique—tube frame with fabric panels—and determinedly analogue mechanicals. Post-1983, all S8s were hand-built with a focus on driver engagement, and the model quickly established itself among enthusiasts thanks to its honest, no-filter road feel. Production continued until the early 1990s before Donkervoort moved on to the turbocharged D10 and evolved D8 successors.

Model history of the S8

The S8 followed the original S7 in Donkervoort’s line-up, expanding the concept with incremental improvements. Three primary variants emerged: the base S8, the updated S8A with chassis refinements, and the S8AT, equipped with a turbocharged Ford engine for further performance. Production ran from 1982 with some cars assembled until 1993, and no two were truly identical due to the hand-built approach and available customisation. The S8 range ultimately gave way to the D10 in 1988 and, subsequently, the D8 series in 1993, each carrying forward the uncompromising Donkervoort DNA.

Highlights of the Donkervoort S8

The S8’s defining feature is its extreme lightness—typically around 625 kg—making it far lighter than most contempoary roadsters. Ford 2.0-litre power units, paired with a Ford T-9 5-speed manual, could be specified with carburettors or a turbocharger (S8AT models), capable of 0–100 km/h in about 6 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h. Safety was improved with a roll bar and dual aluminium fuel tanks, and all S8s came with removable fabric doors, roof, and tonneau covers. The interior focused solely on function, with Jaeger instruments and leather or cloth finishes. Striking features such as the side-exit exhaust—often chrome and engraved—finished the look. The S8 represents 100% of Donkervoort supply and demand in the classic car market, signifying it is the marque’s touchstone among enthusiasts.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The S8 family includes several special offshoots:

• S8: The original, naturally aspirated 2.0 Ford carburettor setup.
• S8A: Refined chassis, improved suspension, and detail upgrades.
• S8AT: Turbocharged 2.0 Ford engine, up to ~160 hp. Identified by custom Jaeger boost gauges and specific badging. Distinct colours such as British Racing Green, Indian Red, and unique one-off paints are recognised rarities among collectors.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No concrete, widely reported weak points are documented for the S8. Prospective buyers should, however, carefully inspect the condition of the tube chassis for rust or stress cracks, verify the operation of the carburettor or turbo systems, and ensure all soft trim components (fabric doors, roof, and tonneau) are intact and functional. As almost every S8 is unique, parts compatibility and service history should be checked in every individual case.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

With a kerb weight typically around 625 kg and engine outputs ranging from 110 to 160 hp, the S8 delivers strikingly direct handling and immense power-to-weight. The rear-drive layout, coupled with sports suspension from WP, endows it with immediate response and thrilling road connection—no electronic aids to dilute the raw feedback. Brakes are discs all-round, with a dual-circuit setup for reliability. S8AT models bring especially forceful acceleration for their class.

Popular and interesting S8 models:

1. Donkervoort S8 (2.0 Ford, carburettors, ~110 hp): The purist’s choice, lightest setup for most direct feedback.
2. Donkervoort S8A: Updated underpinnings make it more usable—improved chassis rigidity and comfort.
3. Donkervoort S8AT (2.0 Turbo, ~160 hp): Different league in terms of performance; turbo boost makes it a proper rival for bigger classic sports cars. undefined

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

True to its ethos, the S8 offers stripped-back, driver-centric design. Seats—either sport-style with lumbar support or more basic cloth options—sit low within a cockpit trimmed in leather or fabric. Most interiors feature a leather-wrapped dash and a cluster of Jaeger gauges, with large central dials and auxiliary switches focused on function. Externally, the S8 is defined by its long open wings, oversized headlights, side-piped exhaust, exposed roll bar, integrated rear spare, and Revolution alloy wheels (14" or 15"). Factory and custom paint finishes include blue, British Racing Green, red, and rare special order colours. Optional features like plexiglass wind deflectors, removable soft tops, and practical tonneau covers, as well as the possibility of high-quality ‘Sonnenland’ fabric, further set each car apart.

Other interesting features

Early Donkervoort S8s were assembled in modest backyard workshops in the Netherlands, a point of pride for fans of boutique manufacturing. The S8 family’s minimal build numbers—typically several hundred in total—make every example something of a bespoke classic. The 'No Compromise' brand philosophy means even today, the S8 appeals primarily to keen drivers who appreciate its undiluted analogue experience.

Summary

The Donkervoort S8 occupies a class of its own among classic lightweight roadsters—handmade, relentlessly focused on driving purity, and guaranteed to deliver engagement with every kilometre. With its foundation in Dutch engineering and roots tracing directly back to the Lotus 7, the S8 retains its unique status in the collector community, representing the core of Donkervoort’s offering for classic sports car aficionados. Individuality, mechanical honesty, and a visceral driving experience set the S8 apart from all other classics on the market.