800 scores well in the engine department. The 2.5 V6 is smooth and fast, whilst even the entry level 2.0 litre is usefully lively, managing 60 mph in under 10 seconds. The flyers are the turbocharged Vitesse and Coupe with bags of acceleration which gets to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds.

Whereas as so many executive cars in this class are more than capable handlers, the 800 is now barely competent. The ride is far too soft and that means that overall, the handling is far too woolly. Rolling in corners and on the limits of its grip, the 800 is out of its depth on B roads. Even during long distance cruises the ride and refinement levels are barely at 1990s levels, let alone today’s.