The late and greatly missed Lowell George exhorts us to visit the fine city of Atlanta. Girls are mentioned but peripherally and Atlanta was a British sports car from the 1930s, about to be relaunched apparently. The drink would have to involve Bourbon.
1954 Nash Statesman Super Alright, I know its a wreck and it would cost a fortune but a Nash was a stylish alternative to the banal offerings of the big three and were looked at closely in Italy by the great styling houses including Pininfarina. The rear three quarter view with the wrap-around glass is striking and the dash is early space age. For: Worth saving? Against: Just buy a nice one from the US.
1963 Humber Scepter. Not that I am suggesting for one instant that you would buy a car just for the dash but I suggest that it is a great part of this Humber's charms. The top Rootes mid-sized saloons wore a coupe style roof as well which differentiated them from the lesser Hillman and Singer stock. For: It will surprise you pleasantly. Against: Plump old Aunty Minx in a party frock if you are the cynical type.
1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Milan raised the standard for saloons in the 1960s with the long lived 105 series Giulias. Belying their upright shape, they were slippery though the air and outperformed cars with twice the engine capacity. The original Italian Job movie was a shocking fraud. A 1600 Giulia had no trouble holding off Mini Coopers. For: The best thing I have had on the list for many months. Against: Nothing whatsoever. An all time great.
1973 Fiat 124 Sports It is difficult to find a decent 124 Sports with rust and neglect having catered for most of them. This model has the attractive nose lost on the final restyle and is the pick of the range. They feel surprisingly quick and modern with the famous Lampredi-designed belt driven twin-cam providing typical Italian zing. For: Just about the best thing you could buy for this sort of money. Against: What do you want me to say?
1982 Lancia Beta Coupe 1600 The Beta Coupes were the inheritors of the 124's place in the range. Developed completely under Fiat control, the Beta was a sophisticated package built around the old twin cam motor placed cross wise in the engine bay and driving the front wheels. No Lancia DNA remained but it drove brilliantly, even in small engined form as here. For: A well looked after survivor. Against: Check the body carefully.
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