Five for the Easter basket

The Aesthete's Fleet

There is little to report apart from the arrival of the essential gearbox bearing from Enrico Barlaam at Cavalitto S.a.S in Torino. He is the master of the terse email. I send him pictures of the Lancia with long seductive messages translated into Italian by electronic means and he replies I SEND YOU BEARING TODAY.  Never mind. He is prompt and can find any hard to find Lancia part. I suspect he is the mystery 'supplier' that other dealers refer to when they cannot find what you want so it is good to be able to go directly to the source. Meanwhile I roll the bearing between my fingers and try not to think what it cost me... oh alright 220EUR + 30EUR freight.

1971 Volkswagen 411 L Variant. An old school friend had access to one of these and it was frequently seen around the North Shore on two wheels. Unlucky girls carried in the load area were scorched by the heat soak from the rear engine and their cries added to the racket from the air cooled engine. Nostalgia aside, it was always an interesting car with a certain ruthless Germanic charm.

For: An unusual wagon with a cultish following
Against: Few survive today
Investment potential: 2/10. The vendor appears to be a believer

1968 Volvo 122s. Volvo's twin carb, two door 122s was a fine sports saloon if outdated compared to an Alfa or a BMW 2002. It made up for this deficiency through great mechanical strength, Swedes being notably intolerant of being stranded in blizzards. This South African import looks original and fit for duty so if you want something for the Targa, this might do it.

For: Goes well with your Scandinavian teak sofa.
Against: Little that I can see.
Investment potential: 7/10 if it measures up

1967 Ford Anglia 105E Estate. The tailgate of the Anglia Estate was designed by New Zealander John Frayling of Lotus Elite fame, or so he told me when I interviewed him in Wales many years ago. That is the only reason I can think of to want one but it is cute as a button and I cannot remember the last time I saw another.

For: A nice little project that will not break the bank.
Against: For pottering around in rather than driven in an enthusiastic fashion.
Investment potential: 4/10 as long as the repairs are as simple as the vendor suggests

1962 Sunbeam Rapier MkIIIa. The description suggests a bit of a hot rod but the 1725cc motor and five speed box would keep you entertained for a while until the roar from the twin side drafts became tiring. It looks well kept however and the modifications are discrete.

For: Could be fun
Against: Could be tedious
Investment potential: 4/10. No rust is a must with these.

1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur LWB. If you could face being surrounded by a howling, stone throwing mob whenever you parked this Silver Spur, it could be just the mood elevating transport you need to lift yourself from your drab existence. I will be Parker and you can be Lady Penelope.

For: More like a party drug than a car
Against: The plate is taking things a bit far
Investment potential: 3/10 I predict strong bookings on high school formal night.

Ready for the shipping container now...

1952 Studebaker Starliner Hardtop Commander Coupe. I know it looks a bit like a pensioner without dentures but the lines are fabulous and it is a rare model that would transform into something very chic. Complete with V8 and auto, if that is important to you.

For: Now you just need a Pierre Konig house to go with it
Against: And a friendly panel beater
Investment potential: 2/10 Cheap to buy but a lot to spend.