Saturday 11th February 2017

£100K Garage: Simon Miller

A strong classic Brit theme for this PHer, with an RS4 in for daily driving too

---

Name: Simon Miller
Previously owned: 1976 Mini 1000, 1978 Mazda 323, 1966 MGB Roadster, Alfa 147 Sport Q2, Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, Daimler XJ40, Skoda Octavia Mk 2 (x2). Everything else was a company car, usually dross.
Currently owned: BMW 325Ci (E46)
On the shortlist: "From the 1970s certainly something exotic and preferably Italian. 1980s: I am unsure, which means I'm open to anything really (although a 1st Gen 200SX would butter some parsnips). 1990s: Toyota Supra TT would be top of the list and for the 2000s it depends what's left in the bank."

70s: Rolls-Royce Corniche
Cost: £44,950
Balance: £55,050
Why I chose it: "When I was looking for a Rolls-Royce back in the day, I visited a dealer in Cheshire. The car I was interested in was not all that, but he was also selling a Corniche fixed head coupe by Mulliner Park Ward in Masons Black with burgundy leather trim. Utterly delicious it was, and this one has another perfect combination of exterior paint and interior trim. Serene transport for special occasions."

80s: Jaguar XJS V12
Cost: £19,995
Balance: £35,055
Why I chose it: "Older Jags are very lovely things; proper wafty ride and strong engines. The XJS is also a design that, to me, is ageing really well and this example is exquisite. Great colours inside and out, and it's a V12. I need a V12 in my life and I get to see if any peanuts reach the floor if you drop a handful of them on top of the engine."

90s: TVR Griffith
Cost: £19,950
Balance: £15,105
Why I chose it: "Wanted it since Tiff tested one on old Top Gear. This is PH. It's a Griff 500. Nothing more to add, really."

2000s: Audi RS4
Cost: £14,495
Balance: £610
Why I chose it: "This will be the daily driver. I've said for a while (when the relevant thread pops up on PH) that a B5 RS4 is pretty much everything I'd want if I had to have just one car on the drive to do everything. Plenty quick enough, practical, and understated but with muscular good looks. This example is in the right colour and wears its miles well. [Unfortunately the ad for Simon's chosen RS4 had gone by the time of publication and the next most affordable B5 on PH is this black example - they're in demand! N.A]

[chazwozza]

Perfect selection. I look at xjs' all the time...

[rtz62]

Other than the inclusion, somehow, of a 'Classic' Range Rover, a perfect selection.
I'd try my hardest to also include a Mk1 Golf GTi Campaign and a 'classic' shape Impreza Turbo too.
But still, one of the bet £100k Garages yet!!

[smilo996]

What!! "Wanted it since Tiff tested one on old Top Gear" TG was around before the three ass hats. Who knew!!

Seems a bit much to blow on a two door. However it seems like a passion purchase and so, why not.

The last three, great choices.
There is something really classic about the XJS and the sight of them getting the V12 and gearbox into it at the factory is something I will never forget.

The RS4 in red is special too. If treated well there is no reason why it should not be dependable and given it was built back in 2001, it has 99.5% of all the goodies a band new car has and you need. Bit like the inside of Darth Vadar's helmet but a great place to be when driving at night.

Great garage.