The Aesthete is running at 55

Years that is. I celebrated by giving myself a day off painting the shed and read the Lou Reed biography which was my present from the Aesthetette. What a prick. I saw his show at the Auckland Town Hall and even at the tender age of fifteen I knew something was not right. He was off the stage in 35 minutes. I am now aware that he was missing his transvestite girlfriend Rachel. He should have explained.  Even so, he is a gold plated genius and the clip at the end will prove it.  

1960 Borgward Isabella TS. These were worth good points on my car spotting journeys with my parents, especially in rare TS form. All were two door like this and the slightly dumpy looks belie their speed and agility on their independently suspended frames. They were the sort of car BMW started to make when poor Karl Borward had been bankrupted in a nasty piece of maneuvering by rival German makers. Have a look at pictures of local racing grids in the 1960s if you seek evidence of their handiness.

For: Like the Shangri Las said, sophisticated boom boom.
Against: Looks more like the fat lady of Limbourg.
Investment potential. 3/10 A dedicated but sadly impoverished following keeps the prices down.

1961 Bedford Dormobile. This made me sit up and yelp because I have always wanted one. Coachbuilt by the old firm of Martin Walter in Folkestone, they were a rare sight in New Zealand as most were brought in by folks that had used them for touring the continent. Parents of my old chum the Rich Computer Genius had one as a family car but theirs was special and had little tail fins. Grwwlll. Apparently Anthony Burgess had one as well. I can see him scratching out A Clockwork Orange on the formica table in the back.

For: Oh come on. Look at it.
Against: Don't be in a great hurry to get anywhere.
Investment potential. 7/10 and good value with VW Samba's going for 100K

1964 Buick Riviera. Oh, the cruel car gods are surely tempting me this week. Here is the Aesthete's favorite big American in his favorite virginal hue. What could be more seductive than a primrose Riviera with black leather? I am sure Lou would agree and would probably even write a song about it. One of the bad poppy ones that still I can't stand listening to.

For: Unnnngggrhah!
Against: I would want to be buried in it.
Investment potential. 2/10. It is not selling so that says something.

Renault 12 TL. Wonderboy suggested this one and I agree that it does have strong potential for track day japes, particularly with the turbo set up properly. The vendor has assembled all sorts of tasteful racing bits and is clearly not a nong. I see it in French blue with an off centre white stripe. Sacre bleau!

For: Something a bit more esoteric than a Starlet.
Against. I guess people race Starlets for a reason. Can't think what it could be.
Investment potential: 3/10 but made up for in fun.

1947 Allard L201. With big Healys being advertised for 100K upwards, 45K for an Allard with proper New Zealand racing pedigree seems quite reasonable. The Aesthete happens to like the 1940s looks with the sweeping waterfall grill and rear spats and the four seat configuration enables others to join in the fun. There is very little that is suitable for the Beach Hop and track day but this is it.

For: Mad old Sydney Allard at his peak.
Against: Primeval.
Investment potential: 6/10. I do not know why it has not sold.

Not more queer looking French cars...

1954 Panhard Junior. Yes, I know I am becoming a bit of a bore about ugly little French racers but look! These were the cars to beat in the sub-1000cc class and with the little bathtub shell stripped of all unnecessary fripperies they would run all day and night at Le Mans at 160KPH. Believe me, 60bhp and 500KGs is plenty. Oh, and the reverse hung doors are utter perfection.

For: So smart.
Against. Nothing. This is the prefect car.
Investment potential: Who would know?