1997 Ford Scorpio Ultima 24v review from UK and Ireland

Air conditioning had to be recharged.

Electric window switch faulty.

No other faults.

I'm a big fan of these old executive barges, having owned a Rover 827 Vitesse previously. You can pick them up for peanuts and waft around in luxurious, climate controlled comfort.

The Scorpio is a fabulous car, brimmed with every gadget known to man, and with a meaty 204 horsepower Cosworth V6 under the bonnet which is almost worth the purchase price on its own. Performance is breathtaking for such a huge car, and more than a match for the likes of 528i BMW's and 2.8 Audi A6's.

The equipment list is amazing. Climate control, electric windows, electric sunroof, electric mirrors, cruise control, ABS, remote locking, CD player, leather trim and fuel computer (don't switch the latter to "instant mpg" mode when on choke and under throttle - it is terrifying!).

Running costs are actually quite reasonable. The car is cheap enough to ensure TPFT meaning insurance for less than £200 a year for a 29 year old with full NCB. I have it serviced every 6,000 miles by an independent Ford specialist who keep it running in tip top condition for a very reasonable sum. Fuel consumption is surprising too at 28 mpg average. The Cosworth lump is actually more fuel efficient than the standard 12v V6, despite it's 40 bhp power advantage - a friend had a 12v and struggled to better 20 mpg.

I paid just £2,995 for this car last year from a dealer and it's immaculate. At little more than a tenth of its new value, you really can't go wrong. It's reliable, quick, fully loaded, and has some of the most comfortable seats in any car at any price. It's also beautifully built. For eating up 400 mile motorway trips, for mid 7 second 0-60 acceleration, and for wafting effortlessly from A to B in utter luxury I recommend this car to anyone.