Sunday 24 July 2016

The Aesthete goes for the big numbers

The Aesthete's Fleet

Old friend Hugh has bought that fabulous red Lancia Montecarlo that was on last week's list but he is moving to Wellington so that he can gloat over his new purchase in private. This is almost Boris Johnson territory but I will overlook his treachery if I can have a drive at some point.  


1975 BMW 2002 Tii. I have seen this car and you have nothing to quibble about on the price which is a substantial discount on what it would cost you to put a shabby one into such immaculate condition. Apart from the rare, fragile and tricky turbo models, the Tii is the ideal specification and this is the next best thing to a new one, could you possibly procure such a thing. Buy it, keep it and enjoy it.

For: The colour will clear your sinuses.
Against: Yes, it is expensive but it is that good.
Investment potential: 7/10


1972 BMW 2002. Or could have this one. Not as correct but very usable and I warrant a lot of fun. Some say the 02 cars are not particularly  engaging to drive with wooden steering and slow responses. This sounds like one of the baggy examples that have clocked up vast miles with no real work done, but testimony if you will to their indestructible quality. Get one that has been spruced up like this and you will be impressed.

For: Maybe not as good but not as pricey either.
Against: Nothing that would put the Aesthete off.
Investment potential: 6/10


1964 Bentley S3. The vendor is gilding the lily calling this little confection a Continental, it being an S3 saloon with standard factory bodywork. Even so, it can probably get along at a thoroughly undignified sort of rate with its Bentley Turbo R repower, just the sort of thing for rapid weekend getaways to your favourite winter resort.  The overworked imagination strains to work out what the remaining compliance issues might be.

For: An old man's car if the old man was a Vampire pilot.
Against: Undefined legal issues.
Investment potential: How much is too much for a hot rod Bentley?


1990 Maserati 222 Coupe. Marcello Gandini's cautious restyle of the BiTurbo softened the chiselled looks while retaining the eager wedge profile of the older car. A low milage car of this specification is a hot prospect now and the improved reputation of the brand has revived the fortunes of the 1990s cars. Sumptuous Poltrona Frau leather interiors and jewel like instruments might be like scoffing tiramisu for each meal but why deprive yourself?

For: Go on. I dare you.
Against: I know what you are thinking.
Investment potential: 5/10 and rising.



1954 Ford Thames 83W. If anything on the list has ever been a candidate for an oily rag restoration, surely it is this Thames commercial replete with period sign craft. Even the trade it was advertising is almost dead and gone with mowers reverting to scrap as soon as they refuse to start. The Aesthetette recently went out and bought a Subaru powered mower that does everything but make you a cold drink at the end of the day.

For: Perfect as it is in my view.
Against: Like I said...
Investment potential: 8/10 if you resist fixing it up.

On some faraway beach...



1955 Fiat 1100TV Pininfarina. What could be better than a hand built Fiat from the era of Three Coins in the Fountain and other such Italian-American fantasies? I am far too young to have experienced such things first hand but nostalgia is like that. My desire is based on the idea that an exotic body on an ordinary chassis allows the best of both worlds, like having your pasta made by Gina Lollobrigida.

For: Oh come on. Look at it.
Against: "You paid how much for what?"
Investment potential: Ask an economist
















1 comment:

  1. These BMWs look so fabulous in their striking solid colours. I have only driven a 1600 which was no slouch and certainly had enough power to get sideways. Modern cars seemed so ponderous next to these light little power houses. Overall they might not be as beautiful as some of (our) Italian coupes of the time, but that modernist detailing is to die for. Presentable 1600s can be had for a lot less.

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