Before we go any further this isn't some macho missive suggesting real men don't drive pink cars. Who, for instance, would refuse a 964 RS on the grounds that Rubystone Red looked a bit girly? Given that your average British car park is a study in 50 shades of grey (literal, not literary) someone willing to buck the trend and go for something a little more eye catching should be celebrated and not mocked. Especially if they've done with the attitude 'expense and residuals be damned, it's what I want!'
You're unlikely to see another like it...
Magenta Mica Audi TT S
, spotted in a recent trawl of the classifieds whilst hunting out a good example of this much underrated TT variant. Assuming this shade was picked from the 100 options in Audi's Exclusive paint range it would have cost the original buyer £1,753; if it was a custom colour make that £2,450. Either way, a fair old whack onto the £36,605 starting price. And you thought all Audi buyers craved variations on silver? At least we now know the price of individuality.
What car to pair this distinctive TT with then? Well, if this is the coupe choice how about a G-Wagen wrapped in a similar shade to cover off the school run/hardcore off-roading requirements? And there you were thinking the venerable Gelandewagen's macho credentials were unassailable! Were it a full AMG-spec G55 with side exhausts and a V8 engine note to rattle windows the comedy effect might just work. But it's a diesel. No shame in that per se but perhaps an unfortunate pairing in this instance. It is at least a wrap though.
Are we just being a bit unreconstructed though? Would a real man have no fear for the colour of his vehicle and proudly drive either or both of these fine machines as they are?
AUDI TT S
Price: £27,850
Why you should: Stand out from other Audis; whisper it but it actually looks rather good
Why you shouldn't: You'll need a skin thicker than a rhino
MERCEDES G350 BLUETEC
Price: £92,987
Why you should: Amusing subversion of the G-Wagen's macho image
Why you shouldn't: A bloody expensive joke