Five more from the Petrolhead Aesthete

I have finished my holiday reading with Morrissey's autobiography and, despite the harsh reviews, it is a diverting piece. He writes as he performs as if a beefy Irishman from the poor part of Manchester was the wrong sort of body to carry his mind about in. The section on his Roman Catholic schooling was hardly different to my recollection of St Mary's in the 1960s.  Sister Peter, the bearded Irish nun who thrashed children from dawn until dusk, was not sent out there only by the grace of God.

1969 Sunbeam Imp. The vendor tell us that he only bought this Imp four months ago so it passed unnoticed by the Aesthete. The Sunbeam was a badge and trim variation so you need to go to the Sport models to get the dual Strombergs and livelier performance but the twin headlight nose is attractive and the teal blue is great. Some would say that there is no such thing as a good Imp but they are old codgers that remember them when they were new and we don't listen to them.

For: Great fun for little outlay.
Against: A bit fragile, it has to be said.
Investment potential: 4/10

1987 Alfa Romeo GTV6. This GTV6 has had attention lavished upon it as well as sensible upgrades so the asking price of 10K seems fair. The was the last of the rear wheel drive cars with an elegantly engineered transaxle and ideal weight distribution. A good GTV6 is a poised handler that flatters the driver, unlike the sadly misbegotten model that followed. Wonderboy is presently seeking an early four cylinder model for a local client if anyone has one taking up space.

For: Re-engineered for daily use.
Against: Nothing springs to mind.
Investment potential: 5/10. People will be looking around for the good ones.

1988 Maserati Biturbo. One of the English journals was asking what was going on with Maserati prices when you can have your pick for around one third the price of an equivalent Ferrari. Here of course is the answer. Maserati's brush with the mainstream market was well specified, fast and elegant but also underdeveloped and liable to blow up in a cloud of banknotes. Hence the start price if 6K for this low milage, low owner example.

For: If they were good enough to build a cheap Maserati the least you could do is buy one.
Against. You will love it until the first big bill rolls in.
Investment potential: 1/10. Sorry, but at least we are not into minus figures.

1969 Daimler 250. Silver and red is a fetching combination for these cars and there is much to be said for the light weight alloy V8 in place of the heavy old XK engine, particularly in small capacity form. Power steering and automatic complete the cosseting specification and there is a neat cubby storage for your Gaviscon and slippers.

For: Easy.
Against: Life is not meant to be easy.
Investment potential: 5/10 if condition is remotely as advertised.

1991 BMW 850i. There is not much useful information to go on in the listing but one could assume a dealer has been caught with this BMW coupe and would like to shift it off the yard to make more room for Camrys and Ciferros. Get in with a cheeky offer and you will have a phenomenally capable high speed cruiser for those lost weekends in Queenstown.

For: An unloved modern classic.
Against: One hopes it has been serviced by someone somewhere.
Investment potential: 2/10. The bottom has not been sighted for these yet.

It won't take much room in the container...

1966 Goggomobil TS250 Coupe. I was filling the Lancia when I fell into conversation with a pleasant fellow who owned a Goggomobil. These were clever little devices built by Hans Glas that have been tagged on to the microcar craze but were more sophisticated than most. Engine sizes ranged to 400cc but this is a 250 version so do not expect blistering performance for your 25K investment. Park it next to that fabulous Glas V8 Coupe from the other week for the ultimate his and hers Petrolhead Aesthete garage combination.

For: Cute as a puppy but it will never get any bigger.
Against: She may not want to drive a feeble two stroke while you sweep off in the other one.
Investment potential: 3/10. They are a safe buy because nobody actually uses them.

The Aesthete is running at 55

Years that is. I celebrated by giving myself a day off painting the shed and read the Lou Reed biography which was my present from the Aesthetette. What a prick. I saw his show at the Auckland Town Hall and even at the tender age of fifteen I knew something was not right. He was off the stage in 35 minutes. I am now aware that he was missing his transvestite girlfriend Rachel. He should have explained.  Even so, he is a gold plated genius and the clip at the end will prove it.  

1960 Borgward Isabella TS. These were worth good points on my car spotting journeys with my parents, especially in rare TS form. All were two door like this and the slightly dumpy looks belie their speed and agility on their independently suspended frames. They were the sort of car BMW started to make when poor Karl Borward had been bankrupted in a nasty piece of maneuvering by rival German makers. Have a look at pictures of local racing grids in the 1960s if you seek evidence of their handiness.

For: Like the Shangri Las said, sophisticated boom boom.
Against: Looks more like the fat lady of Limbourg.
Investment potential. 3/10 A dedicated but sadly impoverished following keeps the prices down.

1961 Bedford Dormobile. This made me sit up and yelp because I have always wanted one. Coachbuilt by the old firm of Martin Walter in Folkestone, they were a rare sight in New Zealand as most were brought in by folks that had used them for touring the continent. Parents of my old chum the Rich Computer Genius had one as a family car but theirs was special and had little tail fins. Grwwlll. Apparently Anthony Burgess had one as well. I can see him scratching out A Clockwork Orange on the formica table in the back.

For: Oh come on. Look at it.
Against: Don't be in a great hurry to get anywhere.
Investment potential. 7/10 and good value with VW Samba's going for 100K

1964 Buick Riviera. Oh, the cruel car gods are surely tempting me this week. Here is the Aesthete's favorite big American in his favorite virginal hue. What could be more seductive than a primrose Riviera with black leather? I am sure Lou would agree and would probably even write a song about it. One of the bad poppy ones that still I can't stand listening to.

For: Unnnngggrhah!
Against: I would want to be buried in it.
Investment potential. 2/10. It is not selling so that says something.

Renault 12 TL. Wonderboy suggested this one and I agree that it does have strong potential for track day japes, particularly with the turbo set up properly. The vendor has assembled all sorts of tasteful racing bits and is clearly not a nong. I see it in French blue with an off centre white stripe. Sacre bleau!

For: Something a bit more esoteric than a Starlet.
Against. I guess people race Starlets for a reason. Can't think what it could be.
Investment potential: 3/10 but made up for in fun.

1947 Allard L201. With big Healys being advertised for 100K upwards, 45K for an Allard with proper New Zealand racing pedigree seems quite reasonable. The Aesthete happens to like the 1940s looks with the sweeping waterfall grill and rear spats and the four seat configuration enables others to join in the fun. There is very little that is suitable for the Beach Hop and track day but this is it.

For: Mad old Sydney Allard at his peak.
Against: Primeval.
Investment potential: 6/10. I do not know why it has not sold.

Not more queer looking French cars...

1954 Panhard Junior. Yes, I know I am becoming a bit of a bore about ugly little French racers but look! These were the cars to beat in the sub-1000cc class and with the little bathtub shell stripped of all unnecessary fripperies they would run all day and night at Le Mans at 160KPH. Believe me, 60bhp and 500KGs is plenty. Oh, and the reverse hung doors are utter perfection.

For: So smart.
Against. Nothing. This is the prefect car.
Investment potential: Who would know?


  

What to drive in Wellington?

The other well known aesthete is relocating north to Wellington and has requested a special issue of the blog that will address his particular needs. What is so different about Wellington, you ask? It is hilly, windy and full of culture snobs so we must choose carefully if we are to maintain the Aesthete's goal of a tasteful, reliable and modestly priced older vehicle suitable for wheeling around in the nation's capital. 

I forgot to mention  that a reader completed the Aesthete's ABC challenge and I have copied it down the bottom of this page. It is a hoot and I would only change ZIL to a ZAZ Zaporozhets, the cute little NSU clone with an aircooled V4 in the boot.

1967 Austin Vanden Plas 1100. The WKA (see above) has made many requests for one of these over the years so here is his chance. Much loved by retired harbour board chairmen, these swish little variations on the familiar BMC theme were trimmed at the Vanden Plas works and fitted with extra soundproofing to damp the transmission howls common to the lesser versions. Of course it has picnic tables.

For: Keep a nice bottle of Beaujolais in the door pocket. For passengers of course.
Against: Even a slightly tweaked 1100 struggles with the extra weight on the hills.
Investment potential: 3/10. Still maintains a peculiar cachet.

1991 Lancia Theme 16v Turbo. The WKA may not agree but this is what I would be driving. Lancia's executive cruiser was the thinking person's choice in the 1990s. The quality of build and materials was far superior to the Saab 9000 that shared the same platform and they are impressively smooth,  quick and stable. This is the final 16 valve version so the performance is quite vivid.

For: Everything else from the era looks quite tired today. Not this, however.
Against: Keep up with the basic maintenance. It is not a Toyota.
Investment potential: 5/10. This is an affordable car of real merit.

1987 Citroen CX 2.2 TRS Pallas. I have featured a number of these bolides on past lists so all previous caveats apply here. This one has had all the expensive work done including a retrim, engine rebuild and paint. I would not advise buying one that has had a lengthy time off the road. This is the less exotic injected engine and not the more demanding turbo so your progress will be stately rather than meteoric.

For: An art historian's sort of car, I feel.
Against: Stay on close terms with your mechanic and watch for stains on the garage floor.
Investment potential: 3/10. Someone has already dropped a bundle but it was not you.

1967 Ford Thunderbird. I know I have featured this car before but I am continually drawn back to the unique feature of its reverse hinged rear doors that I find irresistibly sexy. They were something of a flop at the time that endears the design to me even more but yet it is not an 'uglybird' either. The man about town in Wellington needs something enigmatic for his night time pursuits and this is it.

For: Playboy club on wheels.
Against: You are not a pimp, I hear you say.
Investment potential. 1/10. It is not selling so that may tell you something.

1973 Rover 3500 Coupe. The WKA could probably aid his promotion opportunities by whisking senior management around in the back of this Rover so that they could live out their Thatcherite fantasies. His own features would quickly set into a similar expression of supreme competence as he arrives in the carpark to low whistles of appreciation.

For: You will be asked to join the boards of important things.
Against: You will need to wear a tie at all times.
Investment potential: 4/10. You could pay more and get a lot less.

The one that is not on Trademe

1966 Renault Caravelle. My own taste for small French weirdos with their engines in the wrong place could perhaps be sated by a really good Renault Caravelle. Performance is up slightly on the earlier Floride and this one has four wheel discs although you would still wonder what for.  Small, light and handy with sweet Italian looks and simple mechanicals. A sort of Truman Capote car if you get my drift.

For: Something for someone with nothing to prove.
Against: Who would say anything against it?
Investment potential: 3/10. A dwindling number of usable cars will keep the prices steady.


And the song?

A neglected classic from the back catalogue of the Shangri Las with a very wrong video... Listen to the scat vocal trumpet solo in the middle. Magic.





The Aesthete's ABC
Posted by 'Anonymous' last week.

Autobianchi
Borgward
Cisitlalia
Deutsch Bonnet
Ermini
Facel Vega
Goggomobil
Hudson
Isotta Fraschini
Jowett
Kieft
Lagonda
Messerschmidt
NSU
Olympia
Pierce Arrow
Qvale
Rochdale
Spyker
TVR
Unipower
Venturi
Wartburg
Xenia
Yugo
Zil

The Aesthete welcomes in the new year

The Aesthete welcomes you to the new look site which continues the fine traditions established in the prior 125 posts. I have removed the need for you to log in to add your comments so I encourage you to pour forth your best prose.  Watch your language though. I do not want any knocks on the door at midnight from some angry soul you have upset. You just leave that to me.

1957 Lincoln Premier. The devil only knows where you would get the woven tinsel that they used to upholster these things but it is worth the effort as these Lincoln coupes are very handsome. This is the car that started the fashion for stacked headlights which is more than can be said for the rest of the range that was subject to some very odd styling. So, no reverse rake rear windows here.

For: I will take my Lincoln Premier with a white roof please.
Against: The trim bill I expect. Then the chrome and then the repaint. The vendor should just give it to you.
Investment potential: -1/10. I would look for a better one in the US.

1950 Daimler DB18 Consort. Rough condition?  I would save that sort of description for one with a shrub growing through it so this looks fine to me. I am sure you would get close to the asking price for a straight grill and a set of undented hubcaps so if you fancy one of these dignified carriages, here is your chance. And the vendor is also muttering something about it being a royal tour car although I remain unconvinced.

For: Hire it out for funerals or to take Lorde to the next Grammys.
Against: It has a timber frame so check carefully for rot.
Investment potential: 2/10 but a reasonable start price for once.

1969 Peugeot 404. If you had a nice Peugeot 404 to drive I am sure all thoughts of owning a modern car would leave your head immediately. They ride superbly, are quiet and refined, and very well constructed. If you are the sort to buy a car with no intention of ever selling it, one of these will see you through until the end of oil – whenever that will be. And this is the nicest car shot I have seen for a while.

For: Sadly for whoever buys them, a modern Peugeot is everything this car is not.
Against: Zere is nozing.
Investment potential. After a build up like that I have to say 6/10

1998 Lotus Elise. Sadly, Lotus is going through one of its periodic  'I Shouldn't Be Alive' episodes as it appears to be unable to match the success of the Elise which was developed almost 20 years ago. I challenge you to think what a 1930s car was to a 1950s one and reflect on lack of progress in recent times. Meanwhile, you can have economy and speed until the electrics arrive in force.

For: A game changer.
Against: Fragile, as all Lotii are.
Investment potential. 30K seems a bit steep but this is no MGF.

1996 Fiat Coupe. I read this morning that Fiat has now swallowed Chrysler completely and is probably reeling about clutching its corporate belly while wondering how it will achieve its aim of being a world car maker. I say revive the Fiat Coupe with its ludicrously overpowered Punto platform and watch them flock to the dealers. Oh, maybe that is the new Alfa 4C.

For: A modern with flair.
Against: You will need to be on good terms with your mechanic and insurer.
Investment potential: 0/10 but you are nearing the bottom of the curve anyway.

The one that is not on Trademe

1973 Fiat 850 Spyder. Staying with the theme, is it possible that these sold at the same time as an MG Midget? Sitting on its desirable Campagnolo wheels in giallo fly, this very cute Fiat must surely be attractive when good coupes are fetching higher prices. They were all left hand drive apart from a few dealer conversions so do not let that put you off. And you can get out the mig welder and replace the awful side lights with the proper round ones. No-one will know apart from you and I.

For: Chic and cheap for what it is.
Against: Nothing that I can see.
Investment potential: 3/10. Check the compliance issues, wont you?