Jason Barlow: Cars so exclusive, you can't have them for two years
Despite the recent "credit crunch", it seems life in the City is sweeter than ever. Reports that bonuses have increased this year by 30% to a record £14bn will have Home Counties prestige car dealers rubbing their hands together in glee. Because if there's one thing your modern-day master of the universe loves above all else, it's the latest supercar tucked away in the underground parking space.
If they can get their hands on it, that is. These are such high times that demand is currently outstripping supply for a host of prized luxury models. Bentley, that Crewe-based bastion of quality British engineering, has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance since Volkswagen bought it in 1998. In 2006 it sold 9,200 cars, its most successful year ever, and 2007 is likely to be better still.
"The last thing we want is for our cars to become less exclusive," a spokesman confirmed. "The waiting list for a Continental GTC [convertible] is currently about 12 months. We think that's acceptable. In fact, some of our UK customers in particular take an almost perverse pleasure in having to wait for their new car."
Rolls-Royce's gargantuan Phantom Drophead Coupe has a two-year waiting list, with reports that non-franchised dealers are selling the car on to those who can't wait for a whopping £100,000 on top of its £306,000 list price. Rolls-Royce can't do much about such entrepreneurial exploits, though things inevitably settle when a new model loses its fashionable lustre.
Aston Martin's 007-endorsed DBS and Audi's R8 both enjoy 18 month-plus waiting lists, while Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione - of which only 500 will be made - is sold out, guaranteeing instant cult status. But Ferrari still sets the pace, refusing to increase production of its 430 and 599 models despite sky-high demand - buyers of the ultra-rare Enzo were vetted and "invited" to spend the necessary £399,000.
Still, it's not all phone-number prices and V12 engines. In Hollywood, there's a six-month wait for the Toyota Prius hybrid. And next year's car to be seen in, the new Fiat 500, is due to land in the UK in January. Cost? Rather less than a bottle of Petrus in Claridges.