The Aesthete's festive selection

I know I promised quizzes and games but if you are anything like me you will be relieved to find that there are none. What is that I hear you say? You want quizzes and games? Alright. Complete the Aesthete's ABC. The first correctly filled out ABC wins a year's free subscription to the Petrolhead Aesthete. Its already free, you say? You are way too smart for me. 

A is for Alvis, B is for Berkeley, C is for Cisitalia, D is for Deutsch Bonnet, E is for Etceterini...

1973 BMW 2002. The rally-ready 2002 should have appeal to those wanting something more sophisticated than a Corolla with which to relive the 'seventies rally scene. The preparation looks professional and the period rally accessories add functionality and period charm. Find that red corduroy zip up jumpsuit and the gold framed aviators and you will have your opponents writhing with envy.

For: It looks handy and the price is right.
Against: Nothing as far as I can see.
Investment potential: 5/10. There is always room for a tasteful toy like this in a wealthy owner's garage.

1971 Austin Mini Moke. The art informed readers of the Petrolhead Aesthete – I am assured there are some – will enjoy that this Moke was owned by Austen Deans who would have cut a racy figure in it at the time. The Prisoner was showing on TV so I imagine him shouting "I am not a number! I am part of a dwindling few that can still do a proper watercolour wash". Or something. Please return it to its lovely 1971 dungheap hue and get a new top made, fringing optional.

For: Truly a car of its times.
Against: It has a heater. You will need it.
Investment potential: 8/10. I am not pulling your leg.

1985 Cadillac Seville. Another perfect car of its time, the Seville looked like a much larger Cadillac restyled using Luke Skywalker's Light Sabre. Inside is typical mid-80s swank with materials so vile that even the cruelest pimp would reel away covering his eyes. The garish two tone paint job and fake wire wheels complete the effect superbly.

For: Anyone seen in this car is there for immoral purposes.
Against: Could your reputation take it?
Investment potential: 0/10 unless they are shooting a remake of Miami Vice in Wellington and want you for Huggy Bear.

1965 Chrysler Valiant Safari. The lack of Australian cars on the blog comes down to their essential ordinariness although some of the variations are worth paying attention to. Huge purple Valiant VH Coupes with brocaded interiors built on the saloon platform that nobody bought for instance. This Safari is more sensible than that and might actually be usable if you could find a good period roof rack.

For: A cut above the average Aussie.
Against: Only my unreasonable bias.
Investment potential: 4/10. Keep it looking smart though.

2005 Alfa Romeo Spider 3.2 V6. Recent Alfa have often committed the arch sin of being a bit ordinary. The odd precambrian eyeless styling of the 1990s Spider was given a final punch in the nose for the runout model but it is the best of them all, particularly in six-speed manual mode. With almost the whole Italian industry reduced to building Chyslers, this is it until the brilliant new 4C arrives.

For: Ugly/beautiful in the grand manner
Against: Big and heavy.
Investment potential: -2/10. You will lose 5K a year until you roll it into a lake.

Deep in the dark forest where nobody goes...

1967 BMW Glas V8 Coupe. You cannot say that the Aesthete stints on finding the most hopeless orphan exotics to bring to your attention. This Glas V8 3000 Coupe has it all. Marvelous mini-Maserati looks by Frua, a fragile hand grenade of an engine made in laughable numbers by a company almost bankrupt, no parts back up or specialists anywhere outside Bavaria and the most gorgeous instrument array imaginable. I want it so badly I am getting metallic tastes in my mouth.

For: The most perfect car imaginable for the Petrolhead Aesthete anyway
Against: I would have to learn passable German.
Investment potential. 2/10. Kim Dotcom springs to mind as a potential buyer. No-one else.

I went to see 20 Feet from Stardom the other night, a great documentary about backing singers. These two lit up the screen and managed to transform David Byrne from an autism  ravaged high school misfit into Mr Ray Charles for a few magic moments around 2.23. Watch and learn...