£100K Garage: Thomas Leary

A strong Italian theme for this dream garage, with one of the maddest hot hatches too

Name: Thomas Leary
Previously owned: Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV Launch Edition, Renaultsport Megane 225, Skoda Octavia vRS, Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo, 3x Renault Clio 16v, 2x Vauxhall Nova GSI, Vauxhall Nova SR, Ford Escort 1.6 Cabriolet, Rover 214, 2x Kawasaki ZX6-R, 2x Aprilia RS250, Yamaha YZF 750, Suzuki GSX-R 750, Cagiva Mito 125, Rieju RS1, Kawasaki ZXR400.
Currently owned: Lexus IS F
On the shortlist: "A diesel estate for commuting plus ferrying about the kids and dog, a two-seater toy for summer weekends, a fast saloon or coupe for road trips and year-round use and then a bike or track car if I'm left with enough.

Renault Clio V6 Phase 1
Cost: £24,990
Balance: £75,010
Why I chose it: "The Phase 1 came out roughly around the time I started learning to drive and was my dream car back then. I have always wanted one and lost out on an eBay auction for one back in 2007 by 150 quid!

"I still think I will buy a V6 one day but they have rocketed in price over the last decade. I prefer the looks of the Phase 1 over the Phase 2 and this is a very low mileage example for a decent price nowadays. Perfect summer toy!"

Alfa 159 JTDM Ti SW
Cost: £11,500
Balance: £63,510
Why I chose it: "Bar the RS6 Avant, this is the best looking estate on the market in my opinion. Alfa Romeo makes gorgeous looking cars and this is definitely one of those. A mean looking front end, gorgeous alloys on the Ti model and a great interior. This would be my diesel commuter and everyday family car with a boot big enough for the pushchair and/or the dog.

"I would have gone for the 2.4-litre diesel, but none are for sale on PH at the moment so 1.9 it is. This example looks the part: black with black leather, full Ti spec and low miles."

Maserati GranTurismo S 4.7 V8
Cost: £52,990
Balance: £10,520
Why I chose it: "Stunning! I really love the look and sound of these, and for the money you can't buy a series car. If I had the £100K now, it would be the first one I would go and buy. This one looks gorgeous in black with the tan leather and I can still fit my two daughters in the back, so it would be usable day to day if needed. I can see my wife and I touring around Europe in one of these if my numbers ever come in."

Ducati 1198
Cost: £9,995
Balance: £525
Why I chose it: "I was always into bikes during my late teens and early 20s, but it's been over seven years since I sold my GSX-R 750 and every summer I get the urge again.

"I've never owned a Ducati but Italians have always made the best looking bikes and cars so it has to be another one in my £100K garage. Ideally I would like a 916/996 (preferably the Senna special edition) but with limited availability (and money!), an 1198 in red with the gold wheels would provide a route back onto two wheels and a few track days too."