The Aesthete is feeling jaded

The Aesthete's Fleet.

Trademe is having one of its periodic lulls where it seems that no one has anything interesting to sell, or they are selling it elsewhere. The other NZ classic sites look a bit depleted as well so maybe everyone is waiting for summer or for the economy to pick up. The Aesthete is not a gambling man but he would put his money on there being a summer. Meanwhile, the wrecked Alfetta is now poised in the shed with axle stands placed strategically where there is no rust in the immediate vicinity. There was considerable creaking in the structure as there are no windscreen pillars left after oxidation has done its lethal work.

1969 MGC. The volatile vendor tells us that MGCs are rocketing in value and that none of us should waste his time by making desultory offers. Consequently, no one has placed a bid on his car which is a shame because it looks quite nice. MGCs have languished because their lugubrious six cylinder engines were the wrong choice for a sports car. Think of it as a small touring car able to soar over steep hills with the abundant torque from its Austin limousine power plant, while enjoying the interior frills absent in an MGB.

For: MGCs will have their day again we are told.
Against: Careful of the understeer. That great engine wants to continue in the present direction of travel, heedless of your wheel twirling.
Investment potential: 3/10 due to the inherent compromise of the design.

1968 Jaguar 240. Not everyone's favourite specification for a Mk II but the 240 and 340 cars were still smooth and refined, albeit challenged by the more modern Rovers and Triumphs that took their market away. The slim bumpers lighten the whole appearance of the car while the Ambla vinyl interior looks a pleasant place to be. There is no need to be thinking about going anywhere at 100 mph so just relax and enjoy it.

For: No heavy restoration required so that should save you 50K to start with.
Against: More of a friendly tabby cat than a Jaguar.
Investment potential: 2/10 as most will prefer the growling spitting version.

Alfa Romeo Avanzo. Now that I have acquired a wrecked Alfetta, the idea of building a Barchetta type sports car out of its remains does not seem all that preposterous. The skip has been ordered that will receive the upper panels of the hulk, leaving and engine, transmission and wheels behind. This ambitious project will need to wait until I have my new workshop built but what is life without such completely unrealistic goals? In the meantime I could just buy this and save myself years of toil.

For: The Aesthete will accept the results of a readers' poll. Should he do it himself or buy prêt-à-porter?
Against: Oh, plenty of sensible reasons I am sure.
Investment potential: How can I answer this without revealing my parlous finances?

1968 Austin Mini Moke. Get ready for the summer or for your own personal recreation of The Prisoner TV series from the 1960s. All you would need is a welder and one of those handy sheet metal formers from your local Chinese tool shop. Fiat Jollies are now worth the price of a nice villa on Crete so I suggest you get snipping and folding now.

For: Fix it and get one of those striped fringed tops made. Girls will jump in wherever you park.
Against: Yes, I know.
Investment potential: 6/10.

1986 Alfa Romeo Sprint QV. The Alfasud Sprint is one of the most thrilling small cars ever produced with enough performance to scare yourself and your unfortunate passenger if you get carried away, which you assuredly will. Treat the rust before it gets too bad, pump it full of old fish livers and keep it in a dry place.

For: The ultimate Sud waiting for your careful ministrations.
Against: Inspect carefully.
Investment potential: 7/10 as long as it does not need a complete strip down.


On some faraway beach...

1967 Citroen Azelle. If the Moke looks like too much work for your idle girlish hands, you may just wish to drop into the driver's seat of this cleverly modified 2CV and head straight to the beach. The Azelle was sold as a kit for owners to convert their four door cars so the quality of the finished product is dependent on the condition of the donor vehicle and the builder's skills. Even so, this would be ideal for Mapua. I am sure the other well known Terrace-dwelling Aesthete would concur.

For: Tres charmant.
Against: I would prefer the original hammock seats.
Investment potential: 4/10 or more if Jupiter aligns with Mars and it really is the Age of Aquarius.