Five to make you say "It's nothing like a Golf"

Cars, girls' names, cocktails and songs

Further proof, should it be needed, that The Band could play anything.

1958 MG Magnette. This is the first of the Gerald Palmer designed MGs to appear on the Petrolhead Aesthete so we can assume they are rare and cherished. So they should be as Palmer's Italianate saloon was one of the high points of 1950s British production. The quick rack and pinion steering and MGA motor combined to provide a lively drive but all was lost in the later Farina bodied cars which were much less fun. For: What a small Jaguar might have been. Against: Is that vinyl I see on the front seats?

1960 Austin Healey Sprite Sebring Replica. A lot of effort has gone into this car but none of it wasted by the look of the meticulous preparation. Given what some spend on their Targa mounts, 30K seems something of a bargain and I imagine it would be huge fun although not ideal for the daily commute. For: Just right for today's classic rally conditions. Against: Who could say anything against this?

1966 BMW 2000 CS. If you want to know what would make the Aesthete say "God's teeth", here it is. One of my favorite shapes of all time although in rather distressed condition. The avant-garde nose treatment only appeared on this rare model before the car was stretched to fit the six cylinder engine. The cabin is equally gorgeous. If I had not spent so much on the Flavia recently I would certainly buy this, probably its closest competitor in terms of style and dynamics. For: Rare, beautiful and cheap. Against: I am trying to think of something... nope.

1970 Jensen Interceptor. Cripes. It may be too far gone but the price is tempting and it looks complete as well as completely shot. I note that the tail lights are Lancia Flavia Coupe items. I should buy it just for that seeing the way Flavia parts prices have gone recently. For: A gentleman's cruiser down on its luck. Against: A money furnace.

1970 Triumph Spitfire MkIII. Or you could have this, one of the most straightforward DIY classics around. All the work is done, leaving the next owner to have all the fun. Micholetti's smart styling has the edge over Midgets and their ilk, allowing one to overlook the steel wheels on this example. For: Use it every day. Against: Be careful in the wet. Hark, the Herald axles swing.