The Petrolhead Aesthete resumes normal service

The Aesthete's Fleet 

Yes, and he humbly apologises for the late post and offers the excuse that no one has put anything on Trademe that he or you would be even remotely interested in. The drought finally broke today so please enjoy the following selection that returns to the normal ridiculous range.
The little bird in the GTV engine was tracked down and finally put to death. It was housed in the inlet manifold gaskets, a location suggested by fellow owner Chris who had one in his engine as well. As he is fastidious in all regards, I followed his advice. The other GTV remains unbalanced as the poor fellow that does the work grapples with the complexity of a swiftly rotating mass containing three rubber joints, two shafts, a bearing in a rubber mount and a rear clutch in its very own detachable housing.  I should suggest that Dennis mount the car on his roof for advertising purposes.

1987 Alfa Romeo GTV6. If this GTV6  is as good as it appears, I predict it will not stay listed for long. I doubt if 3.5K could be used to buy a better car if chiselled Italian looks, superb chassis dynamics and symphonic engine noise rate significantly n the selection process. Fix the electric windows, change the gearbox oil, light the touch paper and stand well clear.

For: Young people will say it is sick. That is good apparently.
Against: Nothing immediately presents itself.
Investment potential: 6/10. Purchase of the month.

1953 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley. Fired up by wartime aircraft technology and with manufacturing capacity to burn, Armstrong Siddeley started out well with a range of modern saloons, drop heads and even a coupe utility for the colonies. The Whitley four-light sports saloon was a development of these post-war cars with a larger 2.3 litre engine but the danger signs were already out as the new 2.4 Jaguar was about to remove most of its market.

For: Nice old car if that is enough to motivate you.
Against: Much coveted by retired chairmen of harbour boards.
Investment potential: 4/10 with the asking price much lower than usual.

1964 Jaguar S Type. Okay, it needs a paint but you can see that already. Anyone appraising a project should try and ensure it is good in two out of three areas and allow a decent margin for putting right the third. The interior looks pleasing and the vendor vouches that it is mechanically strong so this S Type represents an ideal winter refurbishment. Just don't take ten years over it.

For: What kind of Mk II would you get for that sort of sum?
Against: Don't expect to turn a profit.
Investment potential: 2/10 based on the standard Jaguar reverse restoration multiplier effect.

1952 Kaiser Deluxe. Like whiskers on kittens and warm woollen mittens, Kaisers are amongst the Aesthete's favourite things. It is all in the cabin where the glass cuts daring shapes into the roofline and generates a  compelling space age effect, aided by the single instrument pod and wild interior decor. The importer has clearly taken fright at the body condition so you must ask whether throwing money at a Kaiser is altogether wise.

For: Oh, the looks most definitely.
Against: The price will have to come down if the shell is shot.
Investment potential: Quite low unless the local Kaiser market is stronger than I assume.

1958 BMW Isetta. If your idea of a restoration is something you can mend over your knee while watching TV, perhaps this original and low milage Isetta might be the answer. This is the English built four wheeler and therefore not so lethal as the original Italian design. I wonder if anyone has electrified one of these? It could be the ultimate sustainable personal transportation capsule.

For: Just look at its cute little face.
Against: If you want to do 300 KPH best buy another type of Italian car.
Investment potential: If it only needs a repaint and mild refurbishment, 21K is perhaps not to much.

On some faraway beach...

1957 Facel Vega FV Sports. Not that far away actually as it is in Australia. The last stand of the coach built grand routier, Facel Vega carried the tradition of Delage and Delahaye into the post-war era. Way too flash for anyone thinking about a Bentley or Jensen, it was the choice of pop stars and wrestlers. Ringo had one but was barely able to control it and the four door Excellense was known for squirting its passengers out on roundabouts as the doors flew open.

For: One for the brave. They will stand and applaud in Queenstown when you pull up in this.
Against: It needs a new front screen and body repairs.
Investment potential: All instruments indicate catastrophe.