Five for the middle of the month

Cars, cocktails, girls' names and songs.

This week's song essays the state of things in Coventry when they stopped making cars and the video features a Cresta. So, I'll have a lager and black, thanks mate. And one for Stella.

1955 Riley Pathfinder. The Pathfinder was undoubtedly modern with its Gerald Palmer designed full width body shared with the lesser Wolseley 6/90. Renamed Ditchfinder due to off road episodes caused by weak rear ends, they are now seen as worthy sports saloons with the big 2.5 Riley twin cam four offering a brisk turn of speed. For: Like an English Lancia thanks to Latinophile Palmer. Against: The gear shift is on the floor by the driver's door. I don't know why.

1959 Ford Thunderbird. I know I am a bit perverse about these things but I like the Uglybird. White tones down the Baroque excesses of the exterior while the cabin is a riot with separate bucket seats and dramatic centre console. This is a low milage car that requires a tidy and the price is commensurate with the work needed. For: In the movies the unattractive girl takes off her glasses. Not this time. Against: Personality counts too.

1965 Ford MkIII Zodiac Automatic. Good examples of this very handsome model are soon snapped up so I wonder why this Zodiac is not selling? Pale primrose is the right colour and the car would be nicely set off by a white roof. I would lose the modern wheels but they can look rather lost on the standard rims. For: Dunedin provenance and originality. Against: I can see little.

1966 Ferrari 330GT Mk2. Once top of the Ferrari range, the 330 has been slow to reach the bewildering values of its smaller siblings. The conservative Pininfarina styling appealed to an older clientele and many have been wrecked to create more expensive models. Still. it reminds me of my Flavia Coupe of which I could have 100 for the asking price of this one. For: La dolce vita. Against: Who would use it?

1968 Lotus Elan +2. Apparently Colin Chapman was outraged on first viewing Ron Hickman's stretched Elan although I cannot see what upset him. Many though the original Elan ugly as well but time has done both many favours. Designed around the front screen of the unloved Consul Capri, the +2's looks are accompanied by excellent dynamics. For: Possibly better than an Alfa GTV. Against: A tired one is awful.