£100K Garage: Hugh Powell

From Elan to Impreza, Hugh's £100K Garage by the decades is a diverse one

Name: Hugh Powell
Previously owned: Peugeot 505 GR (inherited from my Grandad), MG ZR, Renault Espace (for a trip around Europe), Alfa Romeo GTV V6, Subaru Impreza GB270 Wagon, VW Golf GT TDI Mk5 (140), Toyota Aygo, BMW 330d (E46) Touring (died driving through a river).
Currently owned: VW Golf GT TDI Mk5 (170) and turbocharged Mazda MX-5 Mk1 track day car
On the shortlist: VW Golf R Estate and Lotus Exige S2

70s: Lotus Elan Sprint
Cost: £44,950
Balance: £55,050
Why I chose it: "Ever since I raced against some of these Elans in the HSCC's 70s Roadsports Championship, I've come to love them. They're really quick little cars, despite their age. For me, it is a combination of compact size, beautiful body shape and design ethos that sets it apart from other 70s cars. I'd love to have a go in a 26R version, but with prices doing what they are, I'd settle for a Sprint. I'm a Norfolk convert, having been here 10 years now, and of all the cars Hethel ever produced this is the first on my list. The difficulty is deciding between a DHC or FHC. Is wind in your hair really worth £5,000? I think so."

80s: BMW 325i (E30) Sport
Cost: £8,950
Balance: £46,100
Why I chose it: "When I first met my wife, her parents mumbled something about an E30 325i that they kept in the garage. When I visited them, I insisted my father-in-law remove the old towels and inflatable lilo that was doubling up as a car cover and we pushed the car out into daylight. It fired up and we spent an hour driving it up and down a local farmer's track. I'll never forget my father-in-law's reaction when I'd been too enthusiastic in second gear and the car lurched sideways. As far as I'm aware, it hasn't turned a wheel since that day in 2005. Some low mileage cars are silly money, but I'll take this one. I just need to buy some old cassettes for the stereo."

90s: Aston Martin DB7
Cost: £26,925
Balance: £19,175
Why I chose it: "I truly believe that this is still one of the best looking cars ever designed. This particular car might not be the Vantage, or GT edition, but can you really complain for the money? That colour combination with the dark wheels and cream interior is just sensational in my opinion. I'd use it for roadtrips through Europe to see the in-laws and for any events that require a drive - Goodwood springs to mind. I know someone who nearly bought one of these when it was the same price as a DB6 MkII. Thank goodness he chose the DB6. It might not be a great car to drive, but as a thing to look at, second to none."

00s: Subaru Impreza RB320
Cost: £15,500
Balance: £3,675
Why I chose it: "Colin McRae Rally on PlayStation started my love for this manufacturer. I knew nothing really of the WRC or Subaru prior to this, and although I wasn't much good at the game (the Swedish rounds used to cripple me) I grew to love Subaru. Richard Burns took up the mantle of winning again and in 2001 took the championship but, by then, I'd moved onto Gran Turismo. My first 'serious' car that I bought with all my own hard earned money was a Subaru GB270, and I loved it. I sold it to help pay for our wedding and remind my poor wife of this every chance I get. I'm convinced that there are better cars out there for the money, but if you're a fan, it doesn't matter. I still catch myself saying "Oooh, a Subaru..." when you hear the noise before seeing the car."