The Aesthete's autumn almanac

Oh, alright. I know it's not autumn yet but how long can this summer last? 

1959 Edsel Villager Station Wagon. I made my weakness for American wagons evident last week so what better than a despised Edsel fashioned into an even more cumbersome wagon? This one looks like a family of coyotes has been living inside and requires a heroic effort to rescue it from its ruinous state but look at that two-piece tailgate for pity's sake.

For: Its hideous!
Against: Just look at the pictures
Investment potential: 0/10 unless you own a trim shop, spray booth, welder, many hard to find Edsel parts and a garage with a hoist.

1958 Jaguar 3.4 Litre Saloon. You do not see many good examples due to the cost of restoration and low values compared to the more popular Mk II so a well sorted car like this presents an attractive proposition. I am not thrilled about the colour or the superfluous louvres but the interior is wonderful and the wire wheels set the whole ensemble off.

For: You will not believe how fast this car will feel on the road.
Against: I would get it repainted and de-chrome the wheels but I am funny like that.
Investment potential: If you want to do all that on top of the purchase price, practically nil.

1962 Studebaker Lark. Along with whiskers on kittens and warm woolen mittens, Studebakers are amongst my favorite things. This NZ-new Lark has led a cosseted life and should feel almost new at 40-odd thousand miles. The Italianate looks put me in mind of a large Lancia Flavia saloon but you get a V8 instead of an asthmatic 1500cc four so who could not see the sense in that?

For: Chic American compact.
Against: Thinking hard... nope. Can't think of a reason not to want this.
Investment potential: 6/10. If you want one, this is probably it.

1973 Alfa Romeo GTV. 28K may seem a bit steep but there seems little point in starting from an average one when this has had all the necessary work carried out. GTV fanciers bore everyone else with their opinions about the relative merits of 1750 and 2000 cars. Both are equally desirable and the tinselly interior grows on you after a brief drive.

For: Bellissimo!
Against: No bargain to be had here.
Investment potential: 6/10 if you don't have to spend money on it.

1989 Volkswagen Golf GTi. The vendor sounds a bit grumpy so I would take a can of pepper spray with you if you want to stave off any unpleasantness when haggling. He is right to say this is a desirable Golf being a 16- valve small bodied car before they got the idea they were building an embassy limo and needed a stonking V6 to pull it around.

For: Better than many newer Golfs
Against: The owner, mainly
Investment potential: 3/10 if you can talk him down.

On some faraway shore...

1968 Chrysler Imperial Crown Coupe Mobile Director. Okay, it is 1968 and you are a ruthless plutocrat with a driver who needs to type urgent business letters while speeding along the turnpike. What do you do? Buy a Chrysler Imperial Crown Coupe Mobile Director of course. The swivel front seat and fold out business desk spell trouble for the Aesthete who could not imagine a finer place to spend his last few minutes on Earth for, of course, I do not have a driver.

For: What a way to go...
Against: Who will say anything against this car? Speak now!
Investment potential: 8/10. Take it to the All USA Day and watch them come running.