The Aesthete's summer holiday

The Aesthete's Fleet
Painting the Alfetta GTV meant that your Aesthete has lost the better part of summer shut in the shed and covered in dust. A rough tally of hours comes to over two hundred and the paint cost more to buy than the car so what is the outcome? Frankly, all that time adds up to a second rate job compared to the work of the refinishing trade with access to spray booths and some level of skill. So what is the point of doing all this work on a car that very few people rate? The directness of the preceding Giulia coupes was always more satisfying than the rattling dashes, Kombi gearshift and buzzing drive trains of these cars. They also deteriorated and became unwanted within a few short years. Even so, becoming intimate with the car has revealed charms that I had not hitherto seen. The rear quarter detail with the letters GTV punched out of the vent is magical and pure Milan show car.  Even the interior with the divided instrument pod is pardonable as a piece of mad futurism. The next task is to repair and replace all the broken and missing bits. To that end, a long email has been sent to Chris Sweetapple at Highwood Alfa in Swansea, the only UK specialist in these unloved cars.

1952 Daimler Consort Shooting Brake. This epithet seems more appropriate than the vendor's 'woody' for this charming and rare Daimler station wagon. The timber framed body looks professional and it would be interesting to know if it was a local production or by one of the many English coach builders that specialised in such bespoke conversions. This entry wins the coveted Petrolhead Aesthete award for the worst automotive photograph. Step forward, that man.

For: Ideal for pottering around the old estate and shooting at things.
Against: Needs a retrim at least.
Investment potential: 3/10. Well, it is the right price for a project.

1956 Nash Rambler. Less overtly Italianate than the earlier Pininfarina Nashes of which I am known to be fond, this Rambler has charms of its own. It was one of the few mid-sized cars able to get away with tri-tone colour schemes with the roof detail particularly nicely handled. The styling became more frenetic as the decade progressed with fins and other gewgaws spoiling the clever outline.

For: Look Anna. It has a tow bar for that caravan.
Against: The modern electronics but that is an easy matter to sort out.
Investment potential: 2/10 but you will need to find another committed Nashophile, and most of them have been.

1984 Rover Vitesse. An automatic Vitesse seems enigmatic but if you wanted a British built continental cruiser to outrun a big BMW or Mercedes, the specification is spot on. It is pointless comparing them to the earlier cars, being the product of a corporatised industry where the badge identity was decided by a marketing subcommittee. The boffins could still play out of sight, however, and the Vitesse was a seriously quick car in the 1980s.

For: A blast from the last golden age, and increasingly rare.
Against: Nothing that matters. Buy it now.
Investment potential: 4/10. See it as a four door Ferrari.

2009 Lotus Elise SC. Offered as a track day tonic for the troops, this no milage Elise offers a great deal of potential fun for a particularly modest outgoing.  The vendor suggests a steering conversion is possible to allow the car to be compliant for road use however there are possibly less troublesome ways of acquiring an Elise. Best follow his advice and join the growing enthusiast scene at Cromwell's Highland Park.

For: Lotus temporarily recovered on the extruded aluminium frame of the Elise which was a very clever little car indeed.
Against: Impractical but a little indulgence never hurt anyone.
Investment potential: 2/10 as it is a new car but how many like this are there?

 



Well halloo old friend

1938 Willys-Overland Model 39. The Aesthete does like a good streamliner and Willys-Overland produced one of the best examples on its four cylinder economy car frame. It is the sort of thing that whizzed around in miniaturised form in the Futurama display at New York's 1939 World Fair, although that terrific spectacle was sponsored by General Motors. The vendor does not make it easy to find on Trademe listing it as a Ford Deluxe. Maybe that is why it is not selling.

For: 1930s scientific charm.
Against: Like flat roofed concrete houses, you like this sort of thing or you don't.
Investment potential: 1/10. Obviously.


On some faraway beach...

1971 Mazda Cosmo Series II L10B. Mazda's in-house rocketship styling for its rotary range leader was looking a bit antique by 1971 and few were sold outside Japan. This second series car has an improved twin rotor engine and stronger brakes to cope with the added propulsion. Mr Spacely of Spacely Sprockets was named Cosmo and I am sure a live action remake of the Jetsons would be a sure fire summer hit if someone out there would like to pick up the option.

For: Nostalgia for an age yet to come.
Against: Strong collector interest keeps prices high but not as high as a Toyota 2000.
Investment potential: 3/10 with Jay Leno in the race.


 










 

The Aesthete faces his critics

The Aesthete was reminded last week that he cannot spell for nuts. He also used his two pretentious words of the week in a rather inelegant manner so calumny and obloquy were deservedly heaped on him. I blame the dangerously volatile paint thinners that are part of the transformation of the Alfetta GTV. Lurid hallucinations and wild mood swings are just the start of it. Still, some pleasure was gained through a visit from Alfa club friends bearing old photos of the GTV in its pomp. The moustaches suggested a date in the early 1990s which is when I first saw the car parked outside the old Dunedin Police Station looking sharp indeed.  

1950 Morris Minor Convertible. This streamlined low light Minor has a look to it that is suggestive of a speedster resto-mod project. I suggest a twin cam motor and five speed gearbox with painted wire wheels and a lowered front screen. Gunmetal grey and red interior would be ideal and a cowling over the rear seats would be cute too.

For: Go on. Show some spirit there.
Against: Oh come on. It would be fun.
Investment potential: 4/10 if you were clever about the right parts.

1951 Reliant 8cwt. Yikes! You would not wish to drive one of these unloaded as the chassis dynamics were set up with a few hundredweight of sausage casings in mind. Most were bodied as vans and I cannot help but think it would make the most wonderful flower wagon. An Austin Seven type motor got them going at a decent clip but you would need to be brave. Is there a brake on that front wheel?

For: Yes, it is real.
Against: Sadly...
Investment potential: 3/10. I see a rosy future for it at the farmers' market.

1939 Mercury Eight. Staying with the distressed theme for a moment longer, this 1939 Mercury radiates integrity from its worn through paintwork to its sideways Morris Minor tail lights. This was the sort of thing that made a very acceptable first car for a young fellow back in the day so most ended upside down in a ditch. My own dear mother managed this particular manoeuvre while overtaking a truck on a gravel road.

For: You can put the new headlining in it but then leave it alone.
Against: Accept it for what it is.
Investment potential: 2/10 as long as you don't spend any more money on it.

1973 Jensen Healey. A misbegotten effort to update the tiring MGB formula for the American market, the Jensen Healey suffered from clumsy styling that was muddled further by William Towns, plus a woefully under developed Lotus engine. Properly sorted out as this one appears to be, they are quick and surprisingly pleasant to drive. Permanently depressed values make them seem like a bargain as long as you can forget their reputation.

For: Best that you run hard in the opposite direction from a Jensen Healey but this one is worth a look.
Against: All that is stated above and more.
Investment potential: 1/10. In this age of dirt cheap MX5s, who can be bothered?

1958 Jaguar 3.4 Saloon. This Jaguar comes with a three speed automatic which allowed a split bench front seat with the gear selection operated by a lever under the centre of the dash. These peculiarities add great charm to the already appealing Jaguar traits and the great urge of the 3.4 engine still allowed for 120 mph performance. Needless to say, that was a cracking pace in 1958 and no disgrace now.

For: No more nasty whines and crashing first gears now.
Against: Not much that stands out from here.
Investment potential: 3/10 and great for towing a period caravan.

Well, halloo old friend.

1955 Nash Farina. Engineless, rusted out and with a ruined interior, this Nash requires a fanatic like the charming fellow I met at the Dunedin Autospectacular last year with just such a car. The time involved in the restoration of these fascinating vehicles does not lead to great prices but this does not perturb the vendor who sticks doggedly to the 4.5K price.

For: Italo-US hybrid styling of real elegance.
Against: Oh come on. Give it to someone.
Investment potential: Well, not great it must be said.

On some faraway beach

1960 Borgward Isabella Coupe. Borgwards were, to be charitable, no great beauties. This deficit was elegantly remedied with the coupe version of the excellent Isabella that shared no panels with the homely two door saloon. This example comes with the accessory rev counter which adds thousands to the anticipated price, or so says the starry eyed vendor.

For: This would almost sway me from the Italians.
Against. Rusty sills might be the start of it.
Investment potential: Should be worth more than a Karmann Ghia but probably won't be.




 

The Aesthete brings forth an obloquy

Or a calumny if you prefer. These interesting and useful old words describe different ways of defaming or causing a person to suffer public ridicule. It is the Aesthete's sombre public duty to call attention to unrealistic vendor expectations of the value of their treasures. To this noble end, see this week's new category 'Halloo old friend'.

Ali G has got the sad old Tiger running although he is somewhat critical of my ancient repair attempts on the electrical system, describing it as 'house wiring'. This calls for a new loom but such things are freely available now. In the meantime the tank sits like a severed head in my workshop but it can stay there until reunited with the rest of the bike when I pay my bill. The transformation of Godfrey's scrofulous GTV continues slowly with a great quantity of expensive paint now turned into fine dust that coats everything in the near neighbourhood, including the Aesthete.

1964 Gordon Keeble GK1. This car was for sale in Auckland in the early 1980s where it sat, much admired but unwanted. 20K seemed like a great deal of money back then so the asking price of 60K today appears quite modest. You could have left your money at the Post Office Savings Bank and got a better return. This is despite the fact that the GK1was a convincing effort at an Italo-American grand tourer with styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The American V8 and fibreglass shells seems to be what drags them down but they are also the compelling reasons for buying one.

For: A car of great character and serious performance.
Against: Little use in recent times so may require sorting.
Investment potential: 6/10 as the competition moves steadily beyond reach.

1968 Cadillac Eldorado. The US automotive industry experienced a brief flurry of unorthodox engineering in the early 1960s, resulting in the largest front wheel drive platform ever attempted. Launched first as the Oldsmobile Toronado, the package was given elegant knife edge styling for the Cadillac coupe and it looked superb with its minimal bling. Along with the contemporary Buick Riviera, the best looking of all the behemoths from the golden era.

For: A high point in aesthetics if not dynamics.
Against: It is non-complied but the vendor considerately lists the many jobs that need doing.
Investment potential: 2/10. The low values of big Americans are unlikely to recover even with cheap oil.

1982 Volkswagen Golf Karmann. It has been a long time since a gold Golf convertible dropped squiffy passengers off in an untidy heap outside Club Mirage but young folk should know that this was the way their parents rolled in prelapsarian Auckland. Retro chic could not come with a more reasonable price tag so I suggest you relieve this ingrate of their 'unwanted Christmas present' forthwith.

For: I hope it still smells of Chanel and lady cigarettes. Grwwwll.
Against: And not regurgitated Fluffy Ducks.
Investment potential: 4/10 on the basis of cheap operational costs and glam factor.

1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super. Just how far ahead Milan was in the design of small family cars can be seen in the brilliant Giulia. Aerodynamic, quick and with proper brakes and a five speed gearbox, it makes you wonder how any other manufacturer managed to sell cars in the same market. Inbuilt rust was the unfortunate consequence of crude production processes, making a forty-eight year survivor even more desirable.

For: The 1960s sports saloon nonpareil.
Against: But what about the Hillman Superminx I hear you say.
Investment potential: 9/10. The world will soon realise. Until then be comforted that you own a proper car.

1965 Fiat Ghia 1500 GT. How many carroseria-built Fiats actually arrived in New Zealand? This mini-exotic was produced at Ghia on the very capable Fiat 1500 floor pan, known to us colonials as Fiat Crusaders for some long forgotten reason. The tall engine required an egg shaped profile which is dramatically clipped at both ends. It is gawky but graceful in the manner of subtle aesthetic experiences.

For: A rare sight anywhere, much less in Tauranga.
Against: Only 3K less than a Gordon Keeble you might think but it has sold already (as has the Gordon Keeble.... oh well).
Investment potential. 2/10 but you will always be asked what it is.


Well halloo old friend.

1964 Chevrolet Corvette. I have been writing the blog for four years and this handsome Corvette has been listed for much of that time, stuck hard at 75K. Certain factors clearly mitigate against the success of this selling strategy. Bright red Corvette roadsters at the same price are not exactly flying off Trademe so the market is clearly selective and somewhere high on the autism spectrum when it comes to originality. The lesson here is that if you have a nice driving car that is not going to interest a 'collector', just ask a reasonable price and you will sell it.

For: Not too obvious.
Against: Well, the price mainly.
Investment potential: That is not a fair question to ask, obviously.

The Aesthete rattles the Trademe box

The Trademe box feels suspiciously light, as well it might at this time of year when everyone has other thoughts in mind than buying or selling old cars. I was discussing this trend with my Alfa owning friend Terry who has put his Duetto restoration aside while he generates a four door Monaro out of sundry HQ bits that have accumulated in his garage, seemingly brought there by a whirlwind. He sagely points out that many of the cars we both peruse have been on Trademe for years and we agreed that the next list shall be called 'Hello Old Friend' and be filled with nice cars that simply will not sell.
Until then...

1967 BMC Freeway. Extra points would be gained in my juvenile car spotting days if it was a model not listed in any of the otherwise comprehensive guides I had at my disposal. Australian oddballs were always good for this, particularly if the equivalent model simply did not exist in the UK. As with the one they drove in the old country Pininfarina got to fool around with the extremities while the mid section was left as Alec Issigonis intended. The outcome was like a Lancia that had done the wild thing with a garden shed.

For: No one else will have one.
Against: There are probably manifold good reasons for that.
Investment potential: 1/10. Buy it and use it.

1955 Morris Isis. Likewise the exotic six cylinder variants of humdrum cars that British product planners seemed to specialise in during the era. It took sharp eyes to determine the extra length in the front wings necessary to smuggle a Westminster motor into the unsuspecting Oxford shell and most buyers preferred the handy smaller engined version. If you desire both foul handling and a 90 MPH top speed on drum brakes, here is your chance to rewrite history.

For: See above.
Against: I know the list should only have good cars on it but I can only work with what I am given.
Investment potential: 1/10 and I am feeling generous.

1977 Fiat 850T Amigo. Looking like a pre-shrunk Kombi, this factory built Fiat camper sits on an 850 van frame so you will not be going over the Haast Pass in top gear, be assured. Even so I would be prepared to crawl behind in first, cheering you upwards as I would know only a true aesthete would see the advantages of buying and restoring this wonderful vehicle. The vendor has clearly seen the mad prices asked for the Volkswagen Type 2 campers and thinks he is selling a gold mine. There was one for sale in a dealer's yard in Dunedin ten or so years ago for a desultory figure and I still kick myself for not acquiring it then.

 For: Just you and a lightly built friend, venturing into unknown wild places but very slowly.
Against: I know. Everything.
Investment potential: -12/10. The rust looks a bit terrifying. Count on some expenses there.

1971 Fiat 850 Sport. There are two 850 Sports on Trademe this week but it always pays to stump up the extra funds and buy the best one if pleasure of use is your main criteria. It should be as these are as close as most of us will get to la dolce vita for a modest outlay and you can be assured of admiring looks and eyebrow lifts from even the snootiest of car snobs.

For: Girls love them. You are a girl? Perfect!
Against: Nothing. A good one is a treasure.
Investment potential: 9/10 and rising.

1983 Lancia Gamma Berline. The price has been dropped to the point that it is almost being given away so why, oh why will someone not buy this superb Lancia? Do not be needlessly afraid. Embrace its essential oddness. Would you rather have a baggy old Mercedes or BMW? Again, why? They were bought by people with no imagination then and we should learn something from that. Toss down a handful of your partner's sedatives and float into Bains with a chequebook before the dead hand of common sense spoils everything.

For: Mmmmmmmmmm. Rare, beautiful Italian oddball saloon.
Against: You can't do anything with him when he is like this.
Investment potential: 0/10. That will snap him out of it.


Away in a foreign land...

1960 Lancia Flaminia Coupe. Much the same could be said for this early Flaminia coupe, one of the finest cars in the world in 1960 and now languishing unsold for under 10K in Swindon. Of course the problem is 10K would not even buy you a valve grind in the UK so I say export all your careworn Lancias to New Zealand where native ingenuity will achieve what English marque specialists fail to deliver. First into the container will be this beauty. It only has 60 thousand miles on it.... Oh, and vale Gianni Lancia whose vision this was and who died only last year.

For: Patrician individuality of a kind beyond crude cash.
Against: You will need plenty of that, sadly.
Investment potential: There is none. Sorry.