The Aesthete drives himself to ruin

The Aesthete's Fleet

I was down at the Port Chalmers shops today when the Lancia was surrounded by excited children. "I really like this car" exclaimed one sharp faced  lass while the others made enthusiastic steering gestures and engine noises. I was looking around for the secret camera crew but no, it seemed to be genuine. My day was made. 

My week was made when I saw the Laird of Excelsior in a bar. He has been posting comments on the blog and I think you all should as well. The Aesthete is planning something special for the end of the year and it will involve quizzes and games. You have been warned.  

1963 Lancia Flavia Convertible. A sharp eyed Alfa friend spied this on a Japanese import site and although you have to faff around a bit to get logged in, it is worth it. These Vignale-built Flavia 1800s are rare enough in left hand drive form but here is one with the wheel on the correct side and with its factory steel hardtop. It has a worrying rust hole in the floor but looks solid everywhere else. There is only one other in New Zealand so you may have to beat the Aesthete to it.

For: I know where there is a saloon, sport and coupe if you want to complete the set.
Against: Let us hope the rust is contained in the floor.
Investment potential: 2/10. At 20K+ landed it is looking a little bit pricey.

1960 Riley 1.5. The Aesthete is feeling omnipotent this week because all he has to do is write in this blog that he wants a particular model to appear on Trademe and – behold. It is a little more expensive than the Wolseley featured last week but it is worth the premium. Great sport is guaranteed with the MGB engine conversion and there appears to be little to do but to fettle and enjoy it.

For: A proper little car.
Against. Nothing serious that I can see.
Investment potential: 5/10. A sensible buy at this time.

1975 Ford Transit Camper. The lack of fenestration might not appeal to those who think a camper should be a road going ocean liner but I am quite taken with the look of this long nosed Transit. The cost of the camper conversion would have bought you the best house in Huntly at the time so 3K now seems fair. At the rate they are closing mines down you might be able to get the vendor's house too.

For: More Canvey Island than Rhode Island.
Against: Lock, stock and two smoking exhausts.
Investment potential. 1/10. Knackered old campers have yet to find their feet in the market.

1957 Ford Thunderbird. The Aesthete's weakness for big American cars painted in effeminate colours is well known amongst the psychological community so this Dusk Rose Thunderbird fits the bill exactly. The wire wheels, white hard top and interior set the whole ensemble off so I see strong potential for hiring it out for use at same sex weddings.

For: Dusk Rose! Has there ever been a better name for a car colour?
Against: You may be called cruel names if you are a bloke.
Investment potential. 1/10. Great colour but...

1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino. You don't get much classic Ferrari for 42K so if a big V12-engined 400 is not quite you, look no further than the other orphan of the range, the Bertone Dino. These cars simply look better every year with the cab forward wedge design appearing more modern than what followed with the dreary Mondial being the only cheaper alternative. The dark blue finishes it off.

For: One of you out there, please buy this car now.
Against: Disuse is the bane of all high performance Italians. Just ask Silvio.
Investment potential: 5/10. Odds on you will not lose money on this.

Anything on Bring a Trailer this week? 

Nope. Still asleep over there but it is the middle of winter. You could watch this great Brian Eno clip though.

Oh perfect masters, they thrive on disasters

They all look so harmless

Until they find their way up here