£100K Garage – the archive
Discussion
Name: James Cook
Previously owned: Alfa Romeo 145 Cloverleaf, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA, Audi S3 (8L), Audi RS4 (B7), Fiat Panda 100HP, Jaguar XJR (X308), Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, Range Rover 4.4 V8 (L322)
Banger Rally cars: Land Rover Series III (drove to The Gambia), Lexus LS400 (blew up just outside Brighton)
Currently owned: Range Rover 3.9 V8 (Classic), Volkswagen Corrado VR6 Storm
On the shortlist: Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6, BMW M5 (E39), BMW Z3M Coupe, Maserati 3200GT
My choices: I love cars and I’ve always put my money where my mouth is, despite comparatively meagre budgets; with £100k to spend, I will continue this ruinous quest, with no ‘daily driver’ / ‘car for the missus’ nonsense!
Ferrari 355 GTS
Cost: £51,995
Balance: £48,005
Why I chose it: The dream car, ever since I first clapped eyes on it at the British Motor Show as a 12 year old. I’m blowing over half of the budget here, but then this is a much celebrated Ferrari, arguably the best looking car they’ve made since the 1960s. I’m fine with it being a left-hooker and targa-topped, all the better for barnstorming trips to the continent.
BMW M3 CSL
Cost: £29,995
Balance: £18,010
Why I chose it: A true hero car that requires no introduction and my weapon of choice for British B-road blasts. Some Q-car restraint for when a red Ferrari might seem a little flamboyant. Worth inclusion in my garage for the noise alone.
Overfinch Range Rover 580S
Cost: £12,750
Balance: £5,260
Why I chose it: A Range Rover is the only vehicle I desire as a permanent fixture in my garage; it is a brilliant car for almost every situation. Even my old one makes you feel warm inside (unless the passenger's window is refusing to go up). This particular Range Rover is an Overfinch 580S, from before the days when all Overfinch did was ruin your dignified carriage with hideous tinsel. That said, this one could still do with a light de-blinging, not that you’d care about the silly chin-spoiler as you roar around the countryside in a 385bhp limo.
Saab 900 T16 S
Cost: £3,495
Balance: £1,765
Why I chose it: I’ve always loved the original Saab 900 Turbo and this is a lovely example. It would be perfect for another epic road trip, possibly to the top of Scandinavia? In the meantime it would perform shed duties reliably and with no little flair!
The theoretical balance would be spent on tyres and a new exhaust for my Corrado – I get to keep that, right?
Name: Alastair Finn
Previously owned: Citroen AX, Mini Cooper 1.3i
Currently owned: MX-5 NA, Caterham 1700 Supersprint
On the shortlist: Given £100k I am likely to crumble in the face of Pistonhead’s classified with so much to choose from and such a long wish list. Who doesn't watch formula one and want a go, secretly convinced that given the chance they would end up in the points? And who doesn't find themselves out on the open road fantasising about storming through Eau Rouge or belting through the tunnel at Monaco? But for a huge lack of talent that could have been me! but as it is I will never turn and F1 wheel in anger. This being the case I decided to turn to racing royalty and let there choices guide me so that I would at least know what the cars they drove on the road felt like.
Lotus Elan
Cost: £29,950
Balance: £70,050
Why I chose it: Lotus. Chapman. Clark. Surely motor sports greatest triumvirate? I have always loved all things Lotus and you can’t think of Lotus without thinking of Clark. I know he competed in the Lotus-Cortina and I’m sure it is a phenomenal car but he chose to drive an Elan though.
Who am I to argue? Elan look great too, especially the fixed heads (in my opinion). Jimmy won two world titles so I would be in auspicious company. This is my ideal choice for the summer days and B-road blasts.
Honda NSX
Cost: £30,995
Balance: £39,055
Why I chose it: Good enough Senna, good enough for me, 'nuff said. The token super car in garage. All I need to do is buy a natty pair of driving loafers and practice leaving the paps in clouds of smoke as I heel toe my way to immortality.
Mini Cooper
Cost: £3750
Balance: £35,305
Why I chose it: This will be my daily driver, but living on England’s north west coast I am not sure I’d have it long. But, for the brief few months before the sea air reduced the car to a pile of dust I would pay tribute to the likes of Hunt and Lauder who began their careers in Minis.
It’s a Cooper and it’s got a walnut dash. All I’d need to do is use some cash to get rid of the union jacks and drown it in wax oil. At least 4 world titles were won by mini drivers.
Austin Seven
Cost: £6500
Balance: £28805
Why I chose it: Stirling Moss began his career in an Austin Seven. I needed a Stirling inspired choice (how else would I chase ‘crumpet’?), but most of the cars associated with him are far to much of a stretch for even a dream £100k garage. I don’t really know what I’d use this one for, maybe nipping to the shops? Or perhaps one day when the planets align, and I get a sufficient tailwind, I will get pulled over by the boys in blue and asked ‘who do you think you are? Stirling Moss?’ I’d own an Austin Seven, and I also never won the formula 1 world title, it’s as close to being Moss as I’ll ever get. No world title for this driver but an absolutely legendary Mille Miglia in 55 surely makes up for it?
Jag Mk 1 3.4
Cost: £28,000
Balance: £805.00
Why I chose it: I had to buy a bowtie for a dinner I attend with work once. I don’t feel that I get enough use out of it, My inner Yorkshire man us frustrated with the unnecessary expense, so what better way to ensure I get my value for money from my underused garment? Buying a £28,000 Jag and pretending I’m Mike Hawthorn seems the only real option. Mike raced his and I intend to do the same with mine. This one looks like a beast and is track ready so I will at least look the part in the pit if not on track.
Name: Tom Corcoran
Previously owned: Ford Fiesta MK3 1.2, Opel Corsa b 1.2, VW Golf MK4 GT TDI 150, VW Golf MK3 GTI
Currently owned: Ford Fiesta MK6
On the shortlist: I'm rally fan at heart so a prerequisite would be a road car with rally pedigree. The issue then becomes which era of Rallying, 70s? Group B? Group A? Real world need is then a consideration; I can't drive a 70s shed to work or the supermarket every day, maybe an RS Audi or AMG Merc. maybe 100,000 wont be enough
My choices...
Ford Escort MK1
Cost: £30,000
Balance: £70,000
Why I chose it: The MK1 has always been a dream of mine stemming, from summer afternoons spent lining rally stages waiting for a tail happy escort to pass. This one ticks all of the looks and performance boxes and is sorted enough to be used on trackdays too!!
Jaguar XJR 4.2 V8 Supercharged 4dr Auto
Cost: £16,995
Balance: £53,005
Why I chose it: Sensible(ish) hat on. You need a car to cruise to work in, why not look like a boss while you do it. This one looks classy, has low mileage and has 400 horses under the bonnet, what's not to like?
Land Rover Defender 90 2.5 TDI Pickup
Cost: £6,990
Balance: £46,015
Why I chose it: I am a country boy and what country boy worth his salt does not appreciate a good off road jaunt. One owner, low mileage and a pickup (think of all of the stuff you could put in the back of it).
Caterham Super 7 Classic SE
Cost: £11,495
Balance: £34,520
Why I chose it: The ultimate drivers car for me, imagine a sun drenched b road in mid july and think of the fun you could have behind the wheel of a Super 7. The right colour combo, not as mad as the newer model Caterhams. The only challenge would be keeping it between the hedges!
VW Golf GTI MK7
Cost: £22,450
Balance: £12,070
Why I chose it: I love the VW golf! I love the magic letters GTI, put the two together, why not? This is included as it is a real world aspiration for my next daily driver. It has the comfort features but also the GTI charm!
Peugeot 205 GTI
Cost: £2,495
Balance: £9,575
Why I chose it: When I was a teenager a good friend had a 205 GTI and I have loved the ever since. I chose this one as it is in good nick but not perfect, an ideal shed. Even with £100,000 worth of machinery in the garage I think having something to tinker with is good for the soul. The £9,575 would be kept to buy parts
Name: Duncan McKay
Previously owned: Rover 25 1.4 Si 103, (I beg for forgiveness, although a first car with more than 100 bhp!!) MGF 1.8i VVC (yes, I had a head gasket problem...)
Currently owned: Audi A3 2.0 TDi (only due to the amount of miles I'm racking up!)
On the shortlist: Skoda Fabia VRS TDi (sensible), BMW M3 E92 (not so sensible, with CSL alloys of course)
BMW M5 V10 Touring
Cost: £20,993
Balance: £79,007
Why I chose it: Ultimate load lugger with enough space for anything you could conceivable want to throw at it! I considered an RS6 but they seem to be a regular on this forum, and there aren't too many estates that sound like a V10 BMW. Manual a bonus as well, just need to be a bit careful on those lanes! Decent mileage, barely run in for a car like this and a car that shouldn't lose too much money as well over the years. Might put a dent in the wallet on running costs though...
Lotus Elise S
Cost: £9,999
Balance: £69,008
Why I chose it: Back to basics with the best of the elise's. Much better looking than the S2, open top motoring doesn't get much simpler or better than this. Nice colour spec inside and out, and with a detailed extensive service history. With the troublesome headgasket sorted (yes I have history with this), it should be cheap and cheerful to run. Again a car unlikely to drop too much in value and ably fills the sunny day in June spot in my garage.
Skoda Fabia VRS TDI
Cost: £3,250
Balance: £65,758
Why I chose it: My choice as my daily runabout. A great value hatch with a lot of potential for improvements! 55mpg is also a bonus considering my excessive mileage. This particular car has reasonably high mileage but there are plenty of them around so easy to chop and change regularly.
I would have liked a special edition in blue but my budget for this spot in the garage didnt stretch quite far enough.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Cost: £34,499
Balance: £31,259
Why I chose it: Power, Beauty and Soul...... The Aston is my choice as the supercar; a car to drive down to FOS and for a trip to the continent to show off the best of British. The Vantage really is achingly beautiful and in black is one of the best looking around. In my opinion, these early vantages look better than the current cars, with simplistic yet elegant design, a car that would be waved out of every side turning. A decent spec with low mileage and full service history, and that incredible V8 howl comes as standard! I can't think of a better way to spend £35k.
TVR Griffith -
Cost: £29,995
Balance: £1,264
Why I chose it: Another snorting V8 Brit, and again a fantastic looking car! The Griffith is my favourite of all TVR's, with this stemming from a grab the trousers and whimper experience at the british motor show many years ago! The rear 3/4 view is just magnificent and the sound of that naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 intoxicating! The car would be perfect for the hooning track-day, although I wouldn't want to take too much value out of the car as it is a special edition and should hold it quite well.
The remaining balance can be spent at the fuel pumps for the BMW, as well as a re-map and a front anti-roll bar for the Skoda.
Lamborghini Gallardo V10 coupe, manual
Cost: £65,995
Balance: £34,005
Why I chose it: Perfect for those times when only a supercar will do. A slightly blunter instrument, perhaps, than the equivalent Ferrari, but then the Elise below has steering-feel covered, and I think all will be forgiven when the V10 gets into its stride. 4WD makes this kind of power much more useable in the UK. Way more sense of occasion than a 911 turbo.
Lotus Elise S
Cost: £15,540
Balance: £18,465
Why I chose it: Perfect for early morning B-road blasts in summer when I want to soak up the precision, delicacy and feedback that only a Lotus can deliver. I've always loved the S1 Elise in particular but they're getting quite old now and I hope this S2 will prove to be more reliable and less tricky in the wet whilst still retaining that purity of response.
Lancia Delta HF Int 16V
Cost: £9,495
Balance: £8,970
Why I chose it: Not much money for an Integrale I know, but the description makes it sound promising and I've always wanted one of these. Perfect for feeling a bit like Juha Kankkunen circa 1991 and for reminding me, smilingly, of the 15-year-old boy I used to be staring up at the poster on my bedroom wall of Juha Kankkunen roaring through a Welsh forest.
Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 turbo 5dr
Cost: £7,950
Balance: £1,020
Why I chose it: Perfect for popping to the shops reliably, comfortably and discreetly whilst paying tribute, in my own quiet way, to my motoring hero, Colin McRae.
Cost: £65,995
Balance: £34,005
Why I chose it: Perfect for those times when only a supercar will do. A slightly blunter instrument, perhaps, than the equivalent Ferrari, but then the Elise below has steering-feel covered, and I think all will be forgiven when the V10 gets into its stride. 4WD makes this kind of power much more useable in the UK. Way more sense of occasion than a 911 turbo.
Lotus Elise S
Cost: £15,540
Balance: £18,465
Why I chose it: Perfect for early morning B-road blasts in summer when I want to soak up the precision, delicacy and feedback that only a Lotus can deliver. I've always loved the S1 Elise in particular but they're getting quite old now and I hope this S2 will prove to be more reliable and less tricky in the wet whilst still retaining that purity of response.
Lancia Delta HF Int 16V
Cost: £9,495
Balance: £8,970
Why I chose it: Not much money for an Integrale I know, but the description makes it sound promising and I've always wanted one of these. Perfect for feeling a bit like Juha Kankkunen circa 1991 and for reminding me, smilingly, of the 15-year-old boy I used to be staring up at the poster on my bedroom wall of Juha Kankkunen roaring through a Welsh forest.
Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 turbo 5dr
Cost: £7,950
Balance: £1,020
Why I chose it: Perfect for popping to the shops reliably, comfortably and discreetly whilst paying tribute, in my own quiet way, to my motoring hero, Colin McRae.
Name: Nikhil Eswaran
Previously owned: BMW E39 M5, BMW E36 318is Coupe, BMW E46 330ci, BMW E36 328i Saloon, BMW E30 325i Saloon, BMW E30 325i Sport, Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi, BMW E46 320d, Ford Focus Mk2 1.6 Petrol
Currently owned: R53 MINI Cooper S
On the shortlist: Lotus Elise
Mercedes-Benz W204 C63 AMG Estate:
Cost: £26,000
Balance: £74,000
Why I chose it: Estates are a tacit acknowledgement of needs over wants; the need to transport more than just yourself, the need for practicality. All of which are not necessarily compatible with the need for speed. What better way then, to shatter the above notions than to arrive in one of these. I'm a die-hard BMW fan but I’d argue the C63 looks more purposeful than an E61 M5 touring and a damn sight cooler. I walked past one the other day admiring its broad shouldered presence as the driver fired it up. It would be the perfect family hot-rod.
TVR Tuscan Red Rose:
Cost: £17,000
Balance: £57,000
Why I chose it: From what I've heard and read about TVR ownership I would liken it (in a PH sense) to heel and toe i.e. perfect harmony of man and machine when it goes well and infuriating when it doesn't. TVR has always been a marque brimming with character, and with a racing series to its name the Tuscan is dynamically capable as well. Combine that with relatively uncomplicated mechanicals and a body that looks like nothing else on the roads today and you have a potent blend of brute force, character and outrageous styling.
Lotus Elise S2:
Cost: £12,495
Balance: £44,505
Why I chose it: My next choice eschews striking visual presence and ballistic power plants for delicacy and poise. It’s a car that conveys the thrill of driving via undiluted interactions between you and the road. A Caterham is a more raw experience but ultimately the Lotus just edges it on practicality, being perfect for Sunday morning drives without having to be totally reliant on the weather.
BMW E30 325i Sport:
Cost: £4,200
Balance: £40,305
Why I chose it: Despite being a fan of BMWs none of the current ones really do it for me. The E30 is synonymous with the birth of the ‘M’ philosophy but I think it’s the cooking versions of the chassis that were the definitive sports saloons of the 80s and early 90s. I've owned a couple of these and combination of the silky smooth 2.5 straight six and a lively rear meant you could have fun at sensible speeds. It is also from a time when the ‘Sport’ meant LSD and a close ratio gearbox rather than a trim level with 22 M badges and a rock hard ride.
Chevrolet Corvette C5:
Cost: £17,000
Balance: £23,305
Why I chose it: I've always liked American cars and am intrigued by the combination of potent engines wrapped in a body with a fit and finish that would put a cardboard box to shame. As an overall package I think the Corvette does a better job of pulling off Americana than a Mustang with its poster-on-bedroom-wall looks, thunderous 5.7L V8 and some pretty serious performance credentials. And pop up headlights. Must have pop up headlights.
Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Targa:
Cost: £17,950
Balance: £5,355
Why I chose it: Iconic is an oft-misused word these days but perfectly apt in this case. I like the 911 and admire how the company have persevered with a concept that is questionable (from an engineering standpoint) on so many levels. Again none of the modern ones really float my boat. I’d be going for one of the 80s air cooled 3.2 versions.
Yamaha RD350 N1 YPVS
Why I chose it: I don't count myself as a biker but I've been a fan of the Yamaha RD series since my teens. Yamaha introduced this model in India in the 80s and withdrew it soon after due to poor demand but the bike had already created a cult following. I've always been attracted to the clean and minimalist styling but it is the wonderful sound of the Parallel twin that sticks in my mind. This would be the perfect opportunity to get Motorbike Licence and live a childhood dream.
Cost: £4,980
Balance: £375
ROVER 400 SI
Cost: £345
Balance: £30
Why I chose it: Great candidate for shed of the week! With all the choices I’ve made I think I’d start to get precious about using those vehicles as everyday transport to work, the shops, supermarket etc. Thus I’d need a shed of some kind that I needn't really worry about getting damaged in car parks and the likes. This particular example is from the time when Honda collaborated with Rover so it should be pretty reliable as well.
Balance of £30 should get me enough PH stickers for the fleet!
Edited by Dan Trent on Thursday 2nd April 16:34
Edited by Dan Trent on Thursday 2nd April 16:37
Name: Richard Morton (richard300)
Previously owned: To many to list, but some of the ones that stand out, include:
· Mitsubishi EVO V GSR
· Series 1 Ford Escort RS Turbo
· 2.1litre TSR Golf GTi (MK2 8 Valve)
· Porsche 944 Turbo
· Many Jaguar and Daimler XJ’s
· Lots of SAABs including 2 x 9000 Carlsson CDE’s
· 2x Carat Duchatelet Mercedes W124’s
· BMW E30 325i Motorsport Edition Convertible
· Do-Luck 300zx Twin Turbo (manual LWB)
· Various Audi/BMW’s
· Plenty of Sheds too
Currently owned: Nothing – As recently sold everything (including cars) because of emigration to Australia in two weeks’ time.
On the shortlist: Currently shortlisting several Holden Commodore SS V8’s and trying to find Some Jaguar XJ’s to view in Adelaide, in preparation for our arrival…… But for the purpose of this story, we’ll pretend there was a massive U-turn in our plans, and as a result I had 100k to spend on cars, here in the UK.
My choices...
W212 Mercedes Wagon in AMG trim
Cost: £20.000
Balance: £80.000
Why I chose it: Three cars is the maximum I can handle. I have tried juggling more and it just doesn’t work for me. Of those three, one needs to be my wife’s car. It needs to be a diesel and transport our family of four on trips at weekends or to the continent for holidays etc. My wife used to have a Mercedes CLK and never truly forgave me for selling it from under her, and replacing it with a BMW 3 series Touring. She loves the MB badge and every time we see one of these (early) W212 Wagons drive past, she comments on how she would love one in black. Well, I’m the sucker that has to spend every Sunday cleaning her car – So she can have it in Palladium Silver!!
X350 Jaguar XJR
Cost: £15.000
Balance: £65.000
Why I chose it: I love Jaguar XJ’s of all ages. I have really eclectic taste in cars and don’t tend to keep them long as there is always something different I want to try – But one thing is for sure, I can mostly be found driving a Jaguar XJ6/XJ8/XJR/Daimler as my daily mode of transport, irrelevant of whatever else I may own at the time. Generally, the older they are, the more I like them. But concede that because I always buy the best one (of whichever vintage) that I can find. I start getting a little precious about them – To the point where I begrudge having the children in the back, and I find myself cleaning them every day. So, I’ll have a more modern version, that’s a little more robust, and in an ‘easy clean’ colour. I don’t mind running an XJR as a daily….. I have done it before and would rather live with 14mpg than suffer a diesel day in and day out.
Ferrari 456GT – Specifically an early (Non Modificata) Manual.
Cost: £55.000
Balance: £10.000
Why I chose it: I’d get excited every time I opened the garage door and saw it. I’d never be able to walk away from it without looking back for one last look. I Love Ferrari’s and more precisely V12 Ferrari’s and the 456GT/A really is a wonderful looking car. This particular car, in this particular colour scheme would be my dream 456 – And I understand Rardley are the folks to best buy a 456 from? In fact, as I write this, I am incredibly sad that I don’t have £55K and enough time in the UK to be able to buy this particular car. The £10K left over would of course become a rainy day fund to play back up to the several thousand pounds annual budget you would need to ‘frequently enjoy’ one of these cars throughout the year.
Edited by Dan Trent on Thursday 2nd April 16:38
Name: Craig Gillies
Previously owned: Peugeot 106 Independence, hideous little car with a leaking sunroof and smelt like a swamp but it did give me freedom as a new driver. Mk1.5 Focus 1.8 TDCi Sport, big step up from the pug and looked great with ST170 trimmings but reliability was dreadful so had to go.
Currently owned: Mk6.5 Fiesta ST, I've owned this car for 4 years and loved every minute of it. Hasn't missed a beat and in my eyes looks great, only let down is it lacks power and it's desperate for a 6th gear. Mk2.5 Focus 1.6 TDCi Sport, probably should have learnt from my previous focus but after a few initial teething troubles it has turned out to be a good tool to shift the family which is the purpose it was bought for.
On the shortlist: My car tastes are very much influenced by being part of the Gran Turismo generation with a love for performance Jap cars such as skylines, evos, supras etc. However since being able to drive I've had a change towards hot hatches as it is what I can afford. Also now that I have a family my attention has turned to bigger performance saloons. When choosing the cars for my garage I have tried to cover three main bases. A daily for myself and family duties such as a german saloon, a car for the Mrs, and a car for weekends away. Any money left over will be spent on Japanese modern classics to cherish and appreciate in value.
My choices...
Ford Focus ST-3
Cost: £9,640
Balance: £90,360
Why I chose it: This one is for the wife. She really likes her boring diesel focus but absolutely loves any bright orange ST Focus she sees on the road, claiming them to be her dream car. This one appears to be a great example which has been looked after by the previous owner. The low mileage and unmodified nature (apart from a nice exhaust which I would want anyway) add to the desirability and the visual mods top it off nicely. All the practicality of having a family car with all the fun of having a 225bhp 2.5litre engine up front.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class CDI C350
Cost: £26,000
Balance: £64,360
Why I chose it: This would be my car for commuting and also for any family duties. This car seems the ultimate all rounder for me. Good looks, brilliant economy and quick enough to challenge a lot of sportier cars whilst still looking like a sensible family saloon. There's more than enough room for two kids in the back and a boot full of what goes with them. I would also still get the enjoyment of driving whilst not feeling like I'm Dad's taxi. I would look to get the car remapped to make it even more of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Some may say a diesel automatic is a boring choice but when it comes to eating up the motorway miles this seems the perfect tool for the job.
Aston Martin Vantage Coupe 4.2
Cost: £32,990
Balance: £31,370
Why I chose it: My wife and I both work very hard (well we must do to have £100k to splash out on cars) so every now and again we deserve a break. This would be our little slice of luxury so that we can arrive in style for those meals out or weekends away from the kids. The Vantage has always been a favourite of mine with it being the best looking Aston in my eyes opposed to it's more expensive larger brothers. The black on black look gives it a menacing appearance which is only backed up with that wondrous exhaust note. Plus with it only being a two seater there's a good enough excuse not to be able to take the kids with us.
Honda Integra DC-5 Type R
Cost: £8,500
Balance: £22,870
Why I chose it: Now that we have the three important bases covered I can start to look for cars which would get rare use but be kept in top condition and cherished. This is what I currently lust after with plans to trade my Fiesta in for one. I could just sit and look at this car all day, I have chosen a pre-facelift DC-5 as the less angular design is more pleasing on the eye and in championship white with red recaros I can not see how anyone could not think this is a great looking car. This particular car has fairly low mileage compared to others and also has the added bonus of being equipped with the c-pack. The previous owner has carried out tasteful mods which are to my taste and the car looks very neat and tidy. Sure to be a future classic I don't think I could lose with this.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type UK Prodrive Edition
Cost: £6,495
Balance: 16,375
Why I chose it: This would keep the Integra company in the garage. The bugeye is my favourite generation of scooby and this one certainly ticks all the boxes. It was a toss up between this and a WR1 but bugeyes seem to be getting rarer and rarer and in this spec I had to choose this one. Some may see it as chavvy but the combination of WR Blue paint and gold alloys is classic impreza and I wouldn't want it any other way. Then there's the unmistakable sound of an impreza which I'm sure my neighbours would appreciate when I decide to take the scooby to work at 4 in the morning. This particular car has a small amount of rust starting to show through on the rear arches which would need addressed before it got any worse but apart from that it seems perfect.
Nissan Skyline R33 GTR Le Mans V-Spec
Cost: £15,995
Balance: £380
Why I chose it: The ultimate Gran Turismo hero. Ideally I would have liked an R34 but they fetch a much higher price than any R33 which the budget could not justify, however with the engine fitted to this car and other modifications there's not much difference. This would surely be a future classic that will only rise in price, the Le Mans blue finish is stunning and coupled with the nismo bonnet and bumper it's sure to turn heads wherever you go. Certainly not a car you see everyday. This would complete my collection of Japanese sport cars and be treasured for the rest of my lifetime.
Edited by Dan Trent on Thursday 2nd April 16:35
Name: James Seymour
Previously owned: Clio 172, Alfa Romeo 156 V6, Bmw 325i E90
Currently owned: Mercedes C350cdi
On the shortlist: Bmw M5 E60, Aston Martin V8 Vantage
My choices...
Mercedes E63 AMG
Cost: £30,850
Balance: £69,150
Why I chose it: One of the last in a dying breed of large capacity normally aspirated cars, I would have one now if it was not for the massive fuel bills (hence me having a diesel)! In my view it's a great everyday car, very fast, comfortable, practical is a lot more rarer on the roads than its Audi and BMW equivalents. This one has sensible miles and is well priced.
Ariel Atom Supercharged
Cost: £40,950
Balance: £28,200
Why I chose it: Since it was released this has been my favourite car, It may not be the fastest round a track but will give many supercars a run for their money and you can never get enough of that supercharger noise! I love the simplicity of its design. This one has a windscreen so I won’t pull a face like Clarkson did!
TVR Tuscan S
Cost: £23,150
Balance: £5,050
Why I chose it: For me this car was years ahead in design and still looks mad even today, a real head turner. This one has a full history, low mileage and is cheaper than a modern hot hatch!
Renault Clio 182 Trophy
Cost: £4,750
Balance: £300
Why I chose it: For me the clio 172/182 is the best hot hatch of all time. No turbo, low weight and huge fun especially in the bends. Having owned 3 172s this makes the cut as the trophy has the sachs suspension and the recaro seats that I never had!
Edited by Dan Trent on Thursday 2nd April 16:38
Name: Adam Barron
Previously owned: Vauxhall Nova 1.2 swing (we all have to start somewhere!), Vauxhall Astra 14 Arizona (the next logical step), MG ZS 110+, Vauxhall Monaro CV8 (a bit of a jump), Vauxhall Monaro VXR, Lotus Elise S2 race tech, BMW 320d Touring (starting to get sensible now), VW Golf MK5 gti, VW Passat Sport Estate
Currently owned: Citroen C-Crosser (7 seats, 4wd and not engaging to drive, the ideal family bus!)
On the shortlist: After a slow start in car ownership terms, things started to get exciting when I bought my Monaros, simply the best cars I ever owned. Now with a family and the need to save money, my recent car history hasn’t been exactly exciting. But with 100k in the pot I can be sensible AND have a bit of fun in the process! So first of all was a car built specifically for a weekend blat that was exclusively for me which the wife wouldn’t get to drive. I’d need a practical(ish) family car that could accommodate the whole family (including the dog) in luxurious pomp whilst being safer than safe and also a car which the wife could call her own. Her car would have to be something which I wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen driving on the off chance she’d let me have the keys. Finally, If I had any money left, I’d like a track day toy that I could tow around the country with a few of my friends and not worry about writing the thing off
My choices...
CATERHAM ROADSPORT
Cost: £23,495
Balance: £76,505
Why I chose it: I’ve always had a thing for Caterhams. After driving a few in anger on track days and an unsuccessful test drive to try and persuade the missus that she’d like them once she went for a drive in one (she didn’t, in fact she absolutely hated it) I’ve always wanted to own one. I’m not looking for an ex-acadamy car or a track prepped R400, I’m just looking for a car to enjoy the back roads on a dry and sunny Sunday morning. Essential items are a full weather kit and leather seats for the ‘comfort’ factor and something other than a ‘K’ series engine (never liked them). This tidy, low mileage special edition example comes from a trusted dealer and has been looked after well. I think the special edition paintwork looks fantastic with the black alloys and roll cage contrasted with the silver and gold stripe. Very ‘Lotus’! The fact that it’s factory built, rather than on a ‘Q’ reg, will satisfy the wife’s need to trust that the car won’t fall apart the first time I take it out!
VOLVO XC60
Cost: £34,999
Balance: £41,506
Why I chose it: When you have kids, they mean the world to you. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to them. That’s why people buy huge 4x4s. They think that the bigger the vehicle, the safer it is. I can understand where these people are coming from but for me, this car is the perfect family wagon. It’s a Volvo, therefore, it’s safe and it has AWD which would be ideal for those winters where you regret buying a rear wheel drive BMW with run flat tyres (speaking from experience here). This model is the R Design Lux which I think looks a lot better than the standard model and is the top spec you can get. It has huge 20” alloys, tinted windows and all the electronic gadgets that would give a BMW 5 series a run for its money. All that’s missing is a detachable tow bar which I could get fitted at personal expense and it’ll be perfect.
PORSCHE BOXSTER 987
Cost: £17,490
Balance: £24,016
Why I chose it: Ideally, My wife would love another Monaro, but due to some slim pickings in the classifieds, I’ll look elsewhere. I could have found something else with a V8 but I’ve decided to go for a Porsche Boxster. It’s got the brand appeal, a high spec, decent mileage and it’s in the right colour for the wife! Plus, it’ll be no slouch so the wife can continue to race people at the lights. She used to like driving my old Elise so I think she’d be perfectly happy with the driving characteristics of the Porsche.
VW VENTRO VR6 CHALLENGE RACE CAR
Cost: £3,250
Balance: £20,766
Why I chose it: This ex Dave Pinkney (he of BTCC and general race driver fame) was originally built by top racing team Barwell Motorsport for the one make VW Vento championship back in the 1990’s. Although not quite perfect it will fulfil my need to be driving a proper bespoke built touring car. It’s not quite the BTCC but it’ll still be great fun. I’d make sure it runs properly; give it some new boots, fresh juices and a top to toe inspection before heading to many a track day. I might even enter into the MSV Trackday Trophy or even a few sprints. This is an affordable way to get my racing kicks.
VELOCITY RS ECO-TRAILER
Cost: £7,920 (after VAT)
Balance: £12,846
Why I chose it: Yes yes, I know that the trailer is more expensive then the car that it will contain, but unfortunately I don’t have a garage! At least with this fully covered brand new trailer, I can have a garage of sorts, and that if the weather were to turn to its usual British self. I can choose to keep the Caterham dry and lent the Vento get wet! The trailer is a good price, brand new and looks good in black. Most importantly, it has a winch fitted and can tilt to ease loading. Especially important if something were to happen to the car in an over exuberant moment at the track!
Name: Steve Miles
Previously owned: Audi S3, Honda Civic VTi Aerodeck, Volvo 440GLS, Fiat Panda, Mini 1000, Mitsubishi Sigma
Currently owned: Audi RS2
On the shortlist: VW Beetle convertible (for the wife), Noble M12 GTO 3.0
My choices...were based on the biggest variety of best value driving experiences and reliability for the least amount of depreciation.
2003 Noble M12 GTO 3.0
Cost: £28,750
Balance: £71,250
Why I chose it: Arguably the best bang for buck performance car currently available in the UK. Superb handling, blinding performance and reliable. While some may sneer at the use of some Ford parts, I see it as a bonus when it comes to getting replacements and maintenance. This car would be for times when I want to get away from it all and indulge in a few B roads and some scenery. I’d probably set aside a couple of thousand quid for tuning up to 450bhp.
2005 Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Cost: £14,750
Balance: £56,500
Why I chose it: The Merc SLK55 AMG is a modern muscle car and offers all the advantages of a hard top while still offering roof down for the summer. I like the roof panel convertible design as it provides more insulation and noise dampening than traditional designs. The glorious sounding V8 would provide a fix when the Noble wasn’t comfortable and the weather was warm.
2004 Audi RS6
Cost: £16,500
Balance: £40,000
Why I chose it: A reluctant nod to practicality. My preference would have been an Audi RS2 but there weren’t any for sale so I went to the other extreme. This RS6 Plus is limited edition and the automotive equivalent of a power lifter in a business suit. Yes it’s heavy and not the most nimble but I have other cars in my garage for the light and nippy driving experience. I’d probably stick a tow bar on it and swap the awful alloys for a set of more muscular Speedline Cup split rims.
1993 Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 1
Cost: £19,995
Balance: £20,005
Why I chose it: The Evo has always been my poster car, short wheelbase and those muscular flared wheel arches make for an imposing street presence. The Evo II’s are getting pricey now but the Evo I are still affordable and actually perform slightly better than the Evo II. My preferred colour would be metallic burgundy so I might set aside a few hundred quid for a vinyl wrap.
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
Cost: £16,995
Balance: £3,010
Why I chose it: My garage wouldn’t be complete without a Porsche. I did think about the 968 but having driven one, the steering can be heavy. So I’ve gone for a 911 even though good air cooled versions are getting pricey. This one has all the great driving qualities of the old 911’s with the advantages of rust proofing and more modern interior.
The remaining money would be used on tuning tweaks to the Noble and wheels for the RS6.
Name: Jamie Foreman
Previously owned: BMW 318i (E36, great first car), BMW 320d Sport (E46, great for 40k miles a year for 4 years), BMW 530i Sport (E39), Honda Accord Executive! (£825 Shed with leather seats, cruise control, amusingly hideous fake walnut veneer and a surprisingly enjoyable VTEC engine, did 50k miles in 18 months then still got me £600), then my current cars.
Currently owned: Skoda Superb Elegance Estate (fantastic family car) and BMW M5 (simply fantastic)
On the shortlist: 997 911 for me, a 7-seater for the family, maybe the Tesla Model X or anything with at least 25 miles electric range for the short daily journeys to be free, clean and efficient. The practical option though isn't going to feature in the dream garage, as it's not a type of car I'll ever actually daydream about owning, or search the classifieds for, thinking what-if...
My choices here might be a bit similar, but in this part of the country, I've never had a need for a 4x4. Winter tyres have got me through ski holidays before, so I'll stick with that solution when needed. I've driven my M5 to the Nurburgring, then rented track cars there, which is a better solution for me than my own track-car, and saves me the cost of abusing brakes/tyres etc and gets me properly track prepared cars on the occasional time I'll need them. So instead of covering all bases in a garage with cars I wouldn't use, I've chosen great cars, that should provide all the fun on the roads that I could possibly want, and will look great the rest of the time too.
My choices...
BMW M5 (E39)
Cost: 13k
Balance: 87k
Why I chose it: Growing up, my dream garage for years was an M5 and a 355 GTS. That would fit in a 100k garage just still, but I feel Ferrari's are now too expensive compared to competitors, and I want to drive my cars, not just think of the investment. Contrarily, I own an E39 M5 and love it, so it definitely walks into my dream garage. The right combo of space, comfort and fun for me. I frequently consider newer ones (M6 GC would be awesome), but feel they have become too fast for fun at real world speeds in my opinion. I would have chosen this M5, which is more like mine http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b... but I have had to save a bit to squeeze unnecessary car number 5 in.
Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Cost: 35k
Balance: 52k
Why I chose it: With the Ferrari too expensive nowadays in my opinion, I wanted something else for summer days. Basically all Astons look fantastic, and their engines sound as good an anything. With the roof down, they'll sound even better, and make every sunny summer day better than it would be already. Unfortunately there's not a manual convertible around this price, but I'll have the stick in other cars so get that enjoyment elsewhere. The auto box in the DB9 was meant to be leagues better than the Vanquish, so hopefully would prove fine on a test-drive. I've not heard of many owners complaining about it either.
Porsche 911
Cost: 35k
Balance: 17k
Why I chose it: my criteria for a 911 matches the PH-list. Coupe (I love the C pillars, whereas the convertible looks bum-heavy to me, and I've got the Aston for sunny days anyway), RWD, Manual. The GT3 might be great, but mine would be used on the road, so I don't need the extra cost and doubt I would feel the extra benefits that often. This one might be expensive for a 997 Carrera S, but I see it as a new car at half the price. Would have to check the mileage is genuine etc, but it looks fantastic. A few costs might come from it not being used much previously, but with the other cars in the garage, the mileage should stay reasonable on this for a long time, so it should end up holding its value well too.
Jaguar XKR
Cost: 13.5k
Balance: 3.5k
Why I chose it: I love Jaguars, and will own one at some point. This shape of XK is variable to me - some have not been maintained well, and some early ones look dated. However, when it's right, this looks exactly like a Jaguar should - I can almost see the Jag leaper symbol in the profile. The newer versions of the XKR might look more special currently, but I have a feeling this one will age better. The interior is already dated, but my glass is half-full and so I view that as making this car half way to becoming a classic already.
Nissan 300ZX
Cost: 3.2k
Balance: Not a lot
Why I chose it: My dream garage was going to have no more than 4 cars, so they all got used a bit, and keeping on top of them wouldn't become too arduous. However, just because I've seen this, I'm making a bit more space and freeing up a bit more money by choosing a cheaper M5. Also, now it's not just German and British cars on the list! I always liked these growing up, more than the other Japanese cars that have won over the PlayStation generation, and while I might not need a 4WD car, a cheaper car that's better in bad weather than the others might be good. To see one of these in good condition, again with low mileage and a good price, has made me make it fit.
Name: Mike Coulton
Previously owned: Porsche Cayman S, BMW 330Ci M-Sport, Honda S2000, Range Rover Sport G4 Challenge, 2x Range Rover Classic Vogue SEs, BMW 320D M-Sport, Ford Focus TDCi Sport, Saxo VTS, Saxo VTR, Triumph Speed Triple (1050), Suzuki GSX-R750 (K6), Aprilia RST1000, Honda VFR800 VTEC, Kawasaki Z1000 and 2x Triumph TT600’s. Oh, and it all started with a Vauxhall Nova, of course…
Currently owned: BMW 335D M-Sport Touring, Toyota Landcruiser 4.2TD VX (80-Series) expedition vehicle, Ducati Multistrada 1200S, Triumph Tiger 800 XCX
On the shortlist: V8 Vantage, (another) Range Rover Classic, new-gen Range Rover Sport, many motorbikes…
My choices...
Maserati GranSport Cost: £26,990
Balance: £73,010
Why I chose it: A V8 was the absolute first box to be ticked off my wish-list. Also considered a V8 Vantage and R8, but both are quite common in comparison. Audi, BMW and Mercedes offerings were too…Germanic, whereas the Maserati ticked all the boxes for performance, noise, style and feel-good factor. Mine would have to have a cream leather interior, and with the nero exterior it looks superb!
Land Rover Discovery 4
Cost: £29,689
Balance: £43,321
Why I chose it: The daily driver and load-lugger. We have a Discovery 3 and 4 elsewhere in the family and both are superb vehicles, if a little temperamental at times. But given I have a few other vehicles on the list, I will accept some niggles being fixed in the garage in exchange for great performance, comfort, ride quality and that feeling of well-being and smugness that only LR products seem to give.
Land Rover Defender Utility
Cost: £19,500
Balance: £23,821
Why I chose it: The expedition vehicle. Ideally I would have chosen another Landcruiser (more comfortable, more reliable!) but couldn’t find any suitable vehicles in the Classifieds at the time. This Defender is perfectly kitted up for my needs, with a rack for my rooftent, snorkel for desert driving (keeps it out of the dust a bit), underbody protection and a decent set of robust wheels. Perfect colour, too!
BMW S1000RR
Cost: £8,995
Balance: £14,826
Why I chose it: I love my motorbikes and have chosen this as my track day weapon of choice. Near-on 200mph potential will eat up even the longest straights and the switchable ABS and traction control will be a blessing when conditions inevitably turn damp on a UK trackday. I love my Multistrada but also miss my GSX-R, so this should fill that void.
MGB GT hillclimb car
Cost: £3,625 (€4,995)
Balance: £11,201
Why I chose it: My father and grandfather have passed down a love of classic cars to me, and I have always had aspirations to go racing in one form of another. This vehicle ticks both boxes, and at a reasonable price. Doesn’t require too much polishing at the weekends, and I should be able to drive it as hard as a “modern” car without fear of breaking anything!
Audi A1 FSI Sport
Cost: £9,996
Balance: £1,205
Why I chose it: Primarily this will be the missus’ car, as well as our general runaround; she currently has an Audi A2, and I know she likes the A1 too so this would be a nice upgrade for her. Nippy, economical and easy to park, it ticks all the boxes!
The remaining £1,205 left over should put a tank of fuel in each and pay for a couple of trackdays + tyres for the bike and MGB hopefully!
Name: Gareth Lowe
Previously owned: 1992 Vauxhall Nova 1.2, 1996 Rover 414, 1991 VW Golf Driver 1.6, 1990 VW Golf gti 8v, 1983 VW golf gti (16v conversion), 1995 VW passat GL, 1991 VW golf Gti 8v,
Currently owned: 1983 VW golf driver 1.3, Skoda Octavia 4x4 turbo
On the shortlist: Porsche 964 or 993, Audi RS2, BMW M3 csl, Caterham, Jag XKR, Impreza, Pug 106 rallye.... the list goes on.
My choices...
So hard to decide what I actually wanted for this list - it's took me 12months since I first saw the thread to have a bash at a definitive list. Here goes - Brought to you via the 1990s because as a schoolboy this is what I dreamt I would have.
Ferrari 355 Berlinetta, Manual (1996)
Cost: £47,995
Balance: £52,005
Why I chose it: Loved the 355 since I first clapped eyes on one as a kid - still so good looking today and that noise... just a howling V8 eurotrip machine - a prancing horse makes sense in any £100k garage. LHD is fine, manual, red, black leather and a reasonably cheap price given the way they are going at the minute. I'd have to reseverve some money for maintenance no doubt.
Range Rover Classic - 4.2lse (1993)
Cost: £14,991
Balance: £37,014
Why I chose it: I'm a country bumpkin kinda person, love the great outdoors so a bit of country roads/winter weather/trip across the hills is inevitable and a 4x4 is a must in my ultimate garage. Again 1990s perfection in my opinion. V8, english, luxurious and stylish if a tad unreliable perhaps. But so much cooler than a land cruiser and far better than a Defender/Disco.
Volkswagen Corrado G60 (1991)
Cost: £4,250
Balance: £32,764
Why I chose it: I've loved the golf GTI's i've owned and I'd have another in an instant but the Corrado has eluded me thus far and this version is so tempting - 90's FWD brilliance, superb chassis, supercharger whine, UK roadtrip/show car quality and a bit of a rarity overall.
Lotus Elise S1 (1997)
Cost: £14,995
Balance: £17,769
Why I chose it: Had to get an open top 2 seater in the Garage and whilst an MX5 might be the worlds favourite the series 1 Elise is such a landmark car, and the only car in my list I've actually driven in real life. Great fun. Love the colour combination on this one.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1992)
Cost:£11,495
Balance: £6,274
Why I chose it: Since I first saw a Skyline in the Tamiya RC catalogue around my 10th birthday I've been dumbstruck by the concept - a pure supercar bating monster in a 2door saloon silhouette. What's not to love. Again, for me, whilst the original version of something isn't always the most refined they often carry the most allure and the r32 skyline GTR beats everything that succeeds it for me. This one seems fairly cheap and yet vaguely unmodified compared to a lot of them.
Ducati 916 (1998)
Cost:£4,550
Balance:£1,724
Why I chose it: Big Superbike fan, Watched plenty of racing in the 1990s with Foggy, Chile et al hammering these things on track. The V twin is iconic, steel trellis frame, just such a gorgeous bike - selfish choice but so what.
So there you go - my £100k garage - a love of all things from the 90's, covering the best car (and bike) manufacturers globally - British, German, Italian and Japanese and taking a trip through fwd, rwd, 4wd, Turbo, Supercharged and NA, 2, 4, 6 & 8 cylinders. Pity I couldn't get them all colour matched but at least there's nothing too offensive in there.
The remaining cash will go towards any maintenance and keep these 20th century icons rolling a bit longer yet - hopefully.
Name:sohail bashir
Previously owned: honda accord type r .Peugeot 406hdi. Vw touran.
Currently owned: vauxhall zafira
On the shortlist:ford s max 2.2tdci, impreza wrx turbo, e46 m3
My Choices:
TVR Tuscan Speed 6
Cost:£17,500
Balance:£82,500
Why I chose it:Brutal british beast. More of a hoot and thrill to drive than a 996 or a z3m and will turn more heads also. Straight6 noise to die for. Best colour combo also.
Mercedes CL600 AMG
Cost:£12,995
Balance:£69,505
Why I chose it:Owned by a saudi shiekh with every extra and factory amg kit. You will look like a triad or mafia boss in one of these. Those amg split rims are to die for and it is one of the last w140s with 5spd auto with no electrical loom problems. Must have cost near 200k new.
Maserati Quattroporte V8
Cost:£7,930
Balance:£61,575
Why I chose it:Probably the most handsome, rare and exotic saloon of all time. And in v8 twin turbo form it will go like stink. More exclusive than any other luxury saloon. At 7995 It will only increase in value.
Subaru WRX STI Wagon
Cost:£6,990
Balance:£54,585
Why I chose it:A garage is not complete without a loony jap rally car. This is one of the last classic shapes in very rare version 6 wagon form. The 8k rev limit with lag and sudden turbo delivery is thrilling.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Cost:£19,995
Balnce:£34,590
Why I chose it:Makes a change from all those rr sports and cayenne turbos you see on the road. The hemi v8 adds some yank drama in my garage. It's also a proper rugged full time 4wd off roader, unlike most 4x4s nowadays.
BMW 335D Touring
Cost:£12,500
Balance:£22,090
Why I chose it:A very rare SE spec touring in a discreet maroon with tan leather combination. It will be used as a daily driver. SE spec has softer springs and taller tyre walls giving a smoother ride than the more common m sport versions. I will debadge and make it a sleeper.
Honda Integra DC2
Cost:£4,950
Balance:£17,140
Why I chose it:best fwd car ever. low down driving position makes it feel like a go kart.Thrilling screaming vtec and bulletproof as a daily driver.
BMW M6
Cost:£15,995
Balance:£1,145
Why I chose it:A big v10 to finish off the garage after im bored with the 4, 6, 8 and 12 cylinder motors in my garage. This one has had thousands spent on it no expense spared.
Name: Prezolyac (Keith)
Previously owned: 1974 Mini 1275, 1972 Mini 998
Currently owned: Daewoo Racer, Honda Integra DC5
On the shortlist: All over the place really, normally tempted by rarities and bargains. My resolve would be seriously tested by a nice Karmann Ghia.
My choices...
Range Rover Classic
Cost:£9,991
Balance:£90,009
Why I chose it: It's a Range Rover Classic, the perfect daily runabout that can swallow a whole family and shopping whilst pissing all over the classic german stationwagon brigade. Preferabbly accessorised with a fox hunting beagle and flat cap hanger.
Ducati Monster
Cost: £49,00
Balance:£85,109
Why I chose it: Been dreaming of owning a Monster ever since seeing the original Carl Fogarty ads in magazines back in the 90s. Ideally would have preferred an S4RS as that is imho the ultimate incarnation of the Monster, also because the thinner trellis frame looks nicer. This would still do nicely for that imaginary Tuscan hill run.
BMW 650i
Cost: £16,000
Balance:£69,109
Why I chose it: This is so friggin sexy I can't ever understand why anyone would ever criticise that bangle butt. Sir Mixalot would have a thing or two to say, and the F13 looks wonky to me. I'm a firm believer in that every stable should have a V8 and a luxury coupe so this fits in nicely. It was either this or an SL55, but potential repair bills on those things scared me away. Plus I've got the open air thing covered nicely...
Morgan Three-wheeler
Cost: £24,995
Balance:£44,114
Why I chose it: I don't like wonky, but can't resist wacky. This is mental, a must have in any purists garage. Been a fan of old three-wheelers since forever and went nuts once I realised Morgan were restarting production! I'm a big Morgan fan, so had the budget permitted I'd have also included the Morgan Speedster.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 V-Spec
Cost: £19995
Balance:£24119
Why I chose it: A family member took me for a ride in his 1990s Supra JZ Twin Turbo and the sound of a turbo spooling over that inline-six scream makes my blood curdle till this very day. I've also been through the first generation of the Playstation/GranTurismo combo (plus I rather dislike the cornering reputation of the Supra) so the Skyline fills the spot for this one. The R33 Nismo 400R would be the ultimate pick, but that's a priceless unicorn and the more utilitarian look of the R32 somehow makes it look more menacing. The Robson leather interior also makes it a rather nice place to feel your guts implode against the back of your seat.
Name: Toby Barlow
Previously owned: Land Rover Series 3 Lightweight, Defender 90, Mini Cooper S, Mercedes CLK350 Sport, Audi S5 Coupe
Currently owned: Porsche Boxster S PDK, Defender 90 Tomb Raider
On the shortlist: Manual Gallardo Spyder one day...
My choices...
Porsche 981 Boxster S
Cost: £39,000
Balance: £61,000
Why I chose it: It’s a natural progression from my 987, possibly the most fun you can have on the road/be comfortable cross continent and this colour scheme is just mega! Weekend play thing and occasional use for a pointless journey to go and pick up some milk. I’ve always loved the 981 shape ever since it was released and although the interior layout has really divided opinion, for me it’s the perfect blend of sportiness and luxury. The exhaust note with PSE is downright dirty too, those crackles and pops would be just the thing to annoy the elderly population of my local town and make me grin like a cat from Cheshire. Why not a manual? Because PDK is just unbelievable! This one has the Sport Design steering wheel which is a total must for PDK because my current Boxster has those awful buttons where the accidental 6000rpm downshift has happened when my concentration lapsed… So yes, Agate grey, PDK, Sport Classic wheels, Carrera Red leather and red roof? Perfection in my view!
Mercedes C63 Estate
Cost: £34,995
Balance: £26,005
Why I chose it: Because I refuse to be ‘that’ sensible with my daily transport. Colour is a bold call but every C63 seems to be white or black so, you know, originality etc... Same practicality as a diesel one and petrol is cheaper to buy (man logic). Also, THAT NOISE. After driving a C63 coupe a while back, I wasn’t sure if I could ever not have that engine in my life. One of these on a cold start is wonderfully obnoxious and yet the car itself is just so useable. It has a big boot, comfy seats, room for 5, massive drift potential (sorry, I meant great stereo) and understated looks. I guess the only thing that would rival it would be a RS Audi but after my S5, I was a bit put off by these as being too dynamically blunt. I know, the B7 was the one to have but on a C63 you get all of the most modern mod-con’s that are not as highly polished on a B7 so for me it wins hands down.
Caterham Megagrad Race/Road Car
Cost: £11,995
Balance: £14,010
Why I chose it: Who does’t love a bit of hooligan behaviour with the potential to do some racing as well? I used to race Tiger sports cars and was thoroughly bitten by the Super 7 philosophy so this road/race car fits the bill perfectly.
Land Rover Series 3 Lightweight
Cost: £7,995
Balance: £6,015
Why I chose it: The one car I regret selling. My old Series 3 was £1500 worth of shed but I loved every rusty inch of it. It leaked, backfired when you started it and had Range Rover differentials in so the top speed was 45mph. Not that it mattered of course, because by the time you got there you’d run out of fuel due to the Weber carb doing it’s utmost to gulp the under-seat fuel tank dry. However, the feeling of bumbling around the lanes of Norfolk it with the windscreen down, doors off, no roof, inhaling toxic exhaust gasses while being force fed the entire population of summer insects is a feeling that I doubt you’ll ever replicate. Plus camo paint is just cool and if it got scratched, just get the paint and the dirty yard brush out and touch in for the ‘authentic’ look!
Rolls Royce Silver Shadow
Cost: £6,000
Balance: £15 (Fuel for the C63!)
Why I chose it: Because smoking jacket, amusing Sunday afternoon pub jaunts and absolute waft factor. Oh and saying “let’s take the Rolls” will never, ever get old!
Name: Andy Veail
Previously owned: Fiesta 1.4 Zetec, Alfa 159 2.2 JTS Lusso
Currently owned: Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf
On the shortlist: 4C Spider, Range Rover L405, Ferrari 348tb (ambitious and very long term goals but there's few cars I actually love enough to put here!)
My choices...
Ferrari 348tb
Cost: £32,500
Balance: £67,500
Why I chose it: Basically the 348tb was my favourite toy car I played with when I was little, and I've wanted one ever since. A rhd 1990 model in rosso corsa with crema leather and rosso carpets would be perfection. I know the 355 is better in almost every way, but then again I don't really care. Plus I just love the way it looks, the Testarossa-esque design makes it a brilliant looking car to my eyes. I can only hope the prices don't rise too much so I can actually own one!
Range Rover 5.0 Autobiography
Cost: £30,950
Balance: £36,550
Why I chose it: It's a Range Rover with a 500hp five litre supercharged V8, what more could you want? This one looks great, a nice colour, tasteful alloys with no gangster glass, ivory leather and not a hint of awful brown wood anywhere. It's before the final facelift that made the exterior look a bit too Katie Price for my liking. The full leather headliner suggests a lot of money was spent on options too.
BMW 640i SE Convertible
Cost: £28,950
Balance: £7,600
Why I chose it: Funnily enough from the same dealer as the RR... Anyway, I want a convertible for driving about in the sun and this fits the bill nicely. The white leather looks great with the blue (and will keep nice and cool in summer), and yes I know it's big and heavy but if I'm picking this I'm not exactly going to hoon in it am I? A trip down to AC Schnitzer for a remap would have this big old thing see off the 0-62 dash in around 5 seconds so it'll go some when needed.
BMW M3 E46
Cost: £7,495
Balance: £ 105
Why I chose it: Something to strip down, tweak and spank round a track. What better base than an M3? Wouldn't be as much fun buying a pre made racer really. For this I picked what looks like the least loved M3, I'd feel bad buying someone's pride and joy and taking it to bits, but that's just me.
£100 on super unleaded and a fiver on lunch would finish the list off nicely.
Name: George T
Previously owned: Honda Civic 1.4i, Mazda MX-5 NB 1.8 S
Currently owned: Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 16V 150
On the shortlist: Alpina D3, Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TBi, Alfa GTV 3.0 V6
My choices...
Alpina D3 Biturbo
Cost: £14,800
Balance: £85,200
Why I chose it: This would be my daily driver. Fast, luxurious, cheap to run, exclusive, rare. I'd get it remapped to 240 bhp. Likely to rise in value. Ideally would like one with full leather and heated seats but this will do.
Ferrari 360 Spyder
Cost: £55,000
Balance: £30,200
Why I chose it: A red Ferrari in my opinion is a must. 360’s are nearing the bottom of their depreciation curve right now, so this will also put on value. I picked this one because it is red, a convertible and it also has some extra goodies such as Stradale TCU, racing air filters, larini exhaust, etc.
TVR Tuscan Speed 6
Cost: £19,999
Balance: £10,201
Why I chose it: (Relatively) cheap for the performance, rapid, rare, unusual and downright bonkers. This is the rarer Red Rose version with more powerful engine and cascade purple paint.
Mazda MX-5 Supercharged
Cost: £4750
Balance: £5451
Why I chose it: As I used to have an MX-5, I’d love another and like the idea of an aftermarket turbo or supercharged model to give it some extra oomph. I’d remove all the stickers and get a soft top for this one again, to give it a more subtle look.
Fiat 500 TwinAir
Cost: £5488
Balance: -£37
Why I chose it: I’d get this for the girlfriend to learn how to drive in. Cheap to run, easy to drive, kind of cool, especially for a girl. Plus I like the unusual twin-cylinder tech in it.
Ok I have gone £37 over budget! But I'll happily pay for that out of my own pocket if you spare me the £100k!
|http://thumbsnap.com/qVjNETxh[/url]Name: Tyger Tholstrup
Previously Owned: N/A
Currently Owned: N/A
On the shortlist: Brabus G700, 300SL 'Gullwing'
Theme: Theme for this garage is simplicity, you won't find power steering anywhere on this list! Oh and when you have 100K to spend you don't buy one Alfa, you buy two. And i would like to hope the three cars on the list would show some value appreciation in the near future, especially the Defender (for obvious reasons)
Land Rover Defender
Cost: £29,990
Balance: £70,010
Why I chose it: Due to the discontinuation of the legendary Defender it simply had to be on the list, and this example is a very cool Defender indeed! It also has the ability to blend in everywhere it goes, be it Mayfair or Dorset. This Defender has some modifications from the guys at Twisted making it just that bit more comfortable and usable which is key as it would be the daily driver down to the shops or when venturing out of London in winter.
Alfa Romeo 4C
Cost: £53,500
Balance: £16,510
Why I chose it: The 4C has oozes of road presence and looks simply stunning, for such a reasonable price you get the drama of any Italian stallion which is triple the price! it looks very unique and elegant. It gives you a taste of the supercar lifestyle for a quarter of the price. Of course the pitfalls of the 4C is the fact that if you want to go for a weekend away you have to pack VERY lightly, it also has a tiny fuel tank and it is not comfortable at all. But hey isn't that the beauty of an Alfa?
Alfa Romeo GT Junior
Cost: £15,995
Balance: £515
Why I chose it: I would prefer a GTA, however with a remaining budget of £16.5k that is not going to happen, however the GT 1300 Junior is still a stunning little car. This would be ideal for sunny weekend drives and I would definitely take it on classic car rallies in Europe.[url]
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