Five to bring in Summer

Cars, girls' names, cocktails and songs

Something for summer from the bulging vault of thin-wristed British radio pop. No cars or drinking in this one. Just flutes.

1939 Ford V8 motor caravan. Those that know me know that I am a fool for streamline caravans so I almost fell into a deep swoon when this appeared. It looks to be the genuine article and would form the ultimate riposte to the Winnebago crowd. If it still on its original drums, the descent into Dunedin would be quite something. For: Make a splash at the camping ground. Against: Needs further development.

1966 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Coupe. If you are frightened of that Oldsmobile Toronado I keep shoving at you, perhaps the more conservatively engineered Delta 88 would suit you better. It is effectively a restyled Impala and has the same handsome swept roof line but a wilder dash with divided instrument pod. For: Not your everyday Chevrolet. Against: Be brave. Buy the red Toronado.

1967 Jaguar 420. These esoteric Jaguars do not normally impress the Aesthete but the combination of black bodywork and rare manual gearbox along with the sensible price demands I pay it some attention. The last and fastest of the MkII line, the 420 is the sleeper in the range. If it was gun metal grey on wire wheels and had a red interior it would probably fetch twice the asking price. For: A very capable car. Against: No great following, sadly.

1970 Morris 1800 MkII. The 1800 marked the apogee of Alec Issigonis' one man reign over the BMC product line. It was the last time any individual could impose his will over a large motor car manufacturer and you either liked them or you didn't. More cabin room than a Silver Shadow apparently, and almost as comfortable with pillow soft hydrolastic suspension.  For: Individualistic. Against: You could get a Shadow for the same money so you choose.

1981 Rover SDI 3500. What is this doing here, besmirching the Aesthete's carefully curated selection? Early SDIs must be ready to cross over soon. They can be spotted rusting away in large groups under trees as bearded hoarders in flannel shirts do their best to acquire them all and ruin them. Buy a low milage good one like this and save a decent car. For: Ferrari looks on a zero budget. Against: Having people say "My neighbour/boss/uncle had one of them new. Dreadful it was."