BMW's M Roadster is the classic 427 Shelby Cobra with a Bavarian accent. BMW's Motorsports division took a car originally designed for a 1.9L 4 cylinder and shoehorned in the performance version of the most beloved 6 cylinder engines in the auto industry. That glorious engine combined with a racing suspension and monster brakes resulted in the highest performance car BMW had built at the time, becoming what the UK's Top Gear declared the best handling car in the business.

Seventeen years haven't aged it much. The 240 horsepower and 240 foot pounds of torque still push the little rocket to 60mph in a tick over 5 seconds. The rush of acceleration comes with a throaty growl from its dual exhausts that drops jaws from those driving American V8s watching those same twin exhausts disappear down the road. The roadster still gets compliments for its timeless design, making women who see it want to spontaneously bear your child.

Therein lies the problem. My middle-age-crisis dream car is the perfect two-seater. However, I've grown tired of roaring down the road with my three-year-old daughter screaming, "Go faster, Daddy!" in the child seat next to me while her mom bangs on the trunk complaining about the space.

I am not in a position that I have to sell this glorious car, but I am finding that our 135i twin turbo convertible is the choice that we are making for most drives. Over the past seven years of ownership I've only averaged 3000 miles a year. It is a tragic shame. This is a car built to be driven and enjoyed. If you've always wanted a true performance machine, this is a chance to own a modern spin on the classic sports car at a 1/4th of it's original price.