The Aesthete scrapes the bottom

The Aesthete's Fleet

 Work continues on the GTV. It is like trying to weld a lace brassierre  but I figure that a few dainty holes around a securely fixed patch is better than a complete absence of metal. The side window mouldings were previously held on with old mastic so the finished result should be more durable at least.

It has been a bit of a dull old week on Trademe so your Aesthete has been looking elsewhere for queer old cars.  Anyway, the first one is interesting and should appeal to that dreadful climber up there in the seat of the nation. Not you Grant. 

1952 Mk VI Bentley Countryman. This Harold Radford-bodied saloon hides a nifty feature, being an early form of hatchback saloon. The two piece tailgate is cleverly integrated into the bustle boot and the rear seat folds flat to provide a prodigious load area ideal for carrying fishing rods, shotguns, dead pheasants, hounds or a small canoe, depending how you feel like comporting yourself around the old estate.

For: What-ho, chaps!
Against: For the modest price, I cannot see a lot against it.
Investment potential: 3/10. A snob's Bentley and that is saying something.

Bugatti Type 35 Special. I will not call this a 'replica' as it would not fool my aunt Sylvia after two bottles of Old Pale Gold. The Aesthete generally abjures from the whole idea of homages but this looks like it has had some genuine use and is powered by a harum-scarum 2 litre Alfa Romeo motor which almost redeems it. At least it is not plastic and mounted on a VW platform.

For: A fake but an honest one.
Against: You may meet a real Bugatti owner and what then?
Investment potential: 1/10. Could provide lots of fun though.

1964 Ford MkIII Zodiac. Vendors have been asking silly prices for these cars recently so it is a surprise to see this decent looking example offered at 16K. A better class of bounder's car, the styling of the Mk III Zodiac gained much from a swoopy prototype provided by Frua. The wilder excesses of the Italian styling house were smoothed out at Dagenham but the lines remained much as Pietro intended. I would keep the wheels and paint the roof white.

For: Ian Dury would have had a few choice words for it, I am sure.
Against: No sports car, it must be said.
Investment potential: 4/10 while there is still an old bodgie drawing breath somewhere

1970 Renault 16 TS. The rarity of these fine Renaults is such that this is the first time one has appeared on the list. The vendor is honest about the car's faults. They were prone to rust but were wonderful to drive as only a big 1960s French saloon can be. The mismatched seats suggest a mend and make do attitude but it would seem that the important things have been attended to. Now if someone can find a 16 TX with square yellow Cibie headlights, tinted glass,  sunroof and electric windows... grwwlll.

For: Striped shirts and Gitanes all round.
Against: You will need another four for spares.
Investment potential: 0/10. They are almost worthless, sad to say.

1960 Morris Major. Another scene from Product Planning. A paneled office, somewhere in the Midlands, 1958.
Alfred Prufrock: I have a cablegram from Australia, sir.
Major Sir Reginald Pilkington-Spratt, Ret. Damned colonials! What do they want now?
Alfred Prufrock: They seem to be asking for a larger Minor, Major.

For: Both more than and less than the equivalent Riley.
Against: The vendor is sounding a warning about rust.
Investment potential: 3/10. It's only $189 so what are your moaning about?


Ngggraghhhah!

It looks like Iso Rivoltas have finally come to the attention of 'investors' if US59.5K for this distressed example is anything to do by. I hear there is one in Alexandra if someone cares to confirm the rumor.