The Aesthete throws a stick into Trademe

...just to see if it hits anything remotely interesting. The nation's most loved and respected online trading service is going through one of its periodic lulls although Wonderboy tipped me off on the tempting build-your-own Fiat 500 Giardiniera offer that leads this week's selection. 

1960 500 Giardiniera. Here is something for those that have room in the shed and want a little winter project. The Giardiniera wagon is a prize amongst cinquecento fanciers and they are delightful alternative to an already attractive little car. You may be able to squeeze another two saloons out of the massive stock of parts that accompany it but your property may look like a 500 factory for a while.

For: Just the thing for dashing down to the flower market.
Against: Dash is purely relative.
Investment potential: 7/10 if the bidding does not become hysterical.

1993 Porsche 968 Clubsport. Hardly anyone understands the complex Porsche range of the 1990s so this 968 Clubsport remains unwanted at over 40K. Not surprising when a tired 944 Turbo can be had for 5K but this is one for the Nürburgring and not for the faint of heart. The hollow racing seats will have your giblets loosened in half a lap.

For: Sturm und drang!
Against: Not for pottering off to the shops in.
Investment potential: 2/10. Clubsport but no club anymore, sadly.

1958 Morris Traveller. Alec Issigonis waved his ugly stick hard at the Series IV Oxford range but somehow the Traveller version survived his curse and they are quite handsome. The vendor warns of corrosion but it looks fine in the photographs. I suggest a MGB engine swap and an overdrive gearbox. You could then take the overland route to anywhere you want really.

For: Oddly pleasing.
Against: I draw the line at a cardigan and cloth cap.
Investment potential: 3/10. More if you can find a toff with an estate to bounce it around on.

1982 Citroen GSA Pallas. The dash looks like an interactive display from a 1970s science exhibition explaining the creation of the universe but you do not buy a 1980s Citroen expecting anything remotely ordinary. The plastics fade into indeterminate hues and fragile trim deteriorates so wait for an unworn interior if you want perfection.

For: Gallic with a touch of madness.
Against: Wonderboy tells me they leave a mess on the floor.
Investment potential. 2/10. Go for the earlier one with the dash that looks like R2D2 having a seizure.

1967 Riley Kestral. The Riley variant of BMC's front drive saloons may not have pleased those diehards who bought the 'proper' models. Then again you did get a discrete slab of veneer with some nice instruments on it. This charming car is offered at a low price and should be snapped up by a young person keen to live a Carnaby Street sort of life in a mews flat, if we had such things.

For: Red interior. Groovy.
Against: Nothing that I can see.
Investment potential: 7/10. More if once owned by Chrissie Shrimpton.