£100K Garage: Steve Armstrong
Alpina for everyday, Integra for track, SLK55 for sunshine and a Subaru for the rest - job done!
Previously owned: Peugeot 206 Roland Garros, Skoda Fabia vRS Mk1, Renault Clio 197, Honda Civic Type R (EP3 facelift), BMW 530d (E60), Honda S2000 (AP2), Skoda Octavia vRS (Mk2 TSI facelift), Mini JCW GP (R53).
Currently owned: Nothing! Driving around in a MY14 Mazda 6 as my company car and doing 25,000 miles a year...
On the shortlist: "Just cars I can enjoy myself in really! I don't have any kids so wouldn't have any great need for anything like an estate, although I would still have something that could carry things and friends if needed. The rest of the garage would just be about experiencing cars that I've always wanted to, but never been in the right situation or had the budget for."
Cost: £63,850
Balance: £36,150
Why I chose it: "I know it's a big chunk to spend on one car; bear with me. I've always loved Alpina, I think the cars represent the epitome of quality, plus they look fantastic and go like stink! This would be my daily; 350hp and 516lb ft whilst still returning mid-40s MPG has to be a winner, doesn't it? This is even the colour of choice for me, and is loaded with options. I genuinely don't think there is a better all-round car available to balance performance, economy, practicality and comfort."
Honda Integra Type R
Cost: £9,250
Balance: £26,900
Why I chose it: "Plain and simple - I'm a huge Honda fan. I thought my EP3 Type R was an absolute peach, and as far as I'm concerned the best hot hatch of its day. My S2000 was just fab also, open top fun and a rapid little car. I've always wanted to scratch the Integra itch - a guy I used to know had a DC2 and it was a cracking thing. This DC5 does everything for me: completely original, looks to be in A1 condition and would just be a great track and weekend car to take out for a blast on those dry summer days! The only thing I would do (as I think is necessary for all VTEC engines) is a couple of breathing mods - Gruppe M induction kit and cat back exhaust (with a subtle tailpipe and sound to maintain an OEM look)."
Cost: £18,000
Balance: £8,900
Why I chose it: "I need another convertible in my life, for those two or three days a year in this country when the weather is just perfect for one. I've always had a love for the SLK55 ever since I saw it on Top Gear when JC drove it around whilst getting shot at by Army Commandos! Admittedly not the most capable car in it's class, but it's a beautiful example at an absolute steal. And who can resist the sound of an AMG V8 (especially with the roof down)?"
Subaru Impreza WRX
Cost: £6,995
Balance: £1,905
Why I chose it: "As an Alpina back-up for the other 363 days of the year where the weather could do anything from rain, sleet, hail or snow! Apart from having something SUV sized (of which I'm a fan of none), I don't think there is a better tool for the job when the weather would rather you didn't go out driving. Really clean example, subtle (I'd opt for this rather than an STI) and I would leave it completely unmodified. Still has enough poke should you need it to overtake, and hell will probably freeze over before it ever broke down!
"The remaining £1,905 would be spent on fuel and the two little mods for my Integra."
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http://www.alpinaconfigurator.co.uk/modellselector...
Must be because it's rare & available or lots of options ticked.
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