The Aesthete welcomes in the new year

The Aesthete welcomes you to the new look site which continues the fine traditions established in the prior 125 posts. I have removed the need for you to log in to add your comments so I encourage you to pour forth your best prose.  Watch your language though. I do not want any knocks on the door at midnight from some angry soul you have upset. You just leave that to me.

1957 Lincoln Premier. The devil only knows where you would get the woven tinsel that they used to upholster these things but it is worth the effort as these Lincoln coupes are very handsome. This is the car that started the fashion for stacked headlights which is more than can be said for the rest of the range that was subject to some very odd styling. So, no reverse rake rear windows here.

For: I will take my Lincoln Premier with a white roof please.
Against: The trim bill I expect. Then the chrome and then the repaint. The vendor should just give it to you.
Investment potential: -1/10. I would look for a better one in the US.

1950 Daimler DB18 Consort. Rough condition?  I would save that sort of description for one with a shrub growing through it so this looks fine to me. I am sure you would get close to the asking price for a straight grill and a set of undented hubcaps so if you fancy one of these dignified carriages, here is your chance. And the vendor is also muttering something about it being a royal tour car although I remain unconvinced.

For: Hire it out for funerals or to take Lorde to the next Grammys.
Against: It has a timber frame so check carefully for rot.
Investment potential: 2/10 but a reasonable start price for once.

1969 Peugeot 404. If you had a nice Peugeot 404 to drive I am sure all thoughts of owning a modern car would leave your head immediately. They ride superbly, are quiet and refined, and very well constructed. If you are the sort to buy a car with no intention of ever selling it, one of these will see you through until the end of oil – whenever that will be. And this is the nicest car shot I have seen for a while.

For: Sadly for whoever buys them, a modern Peugeot is everything this car is not.
Against: Zere is nozing.
Investment potential. After a build up like that I have to say 6/10

1998 Lotus Elise. Sadly, Lotus is going through one of its periodic  'I Shouldn't Be Alive' episodes as it appears to be unable to match the success of the Elise which was developed almost 20 years ago. I challenge you to think what a 1930s car was to a 1950s one and reflect on lack of progress in recent times. Meanwhile, you can have economy and speed until the electrics arrive in force.

For: A game changer.
Against: Fragile, as all Lotii are.
Investment potential. 30K seems a bit steep but this is no MGF.

1996 Fiat Coupe. I read this morning that Fiat has now swallowed Chrysler completely and is probably reeling about clutching its corporate belly while wondering how it will achieve its aim of being a world car maker. I say revive the Fiat Coupe with its ludicrously overpowered Punto platform and watch them flock to the dealers. Oh, maybe that is the new Alfa 4C.

For: A modern with flair.
Against: You will need to be on good terms with your mechanic and insurer.
Investment potential: 0/10 but you are nearing the bottom of the curve anyway.

The one that is not on Trademe

1973 Fiat 850 Spyder. Staying with the theme, is it possible that these sold at the same time as an MG Midget? Sitting on its desirable Campagnolo wheels in giallo fly, this very cute Fiat must surely be attractive when good coupes are fetching higher prices. They were all left hand drive apart from a few dealer conversions so do not let that put you off. And you can get out the mig welder and replace the awful side lights with the proper round ones. No-one will know apart from you and I.

For: Chic and cheap for what it is.
Against: Nothing that I can see.
Investment potential: 3/10. Check the compliance issues, wont you?