Which manufacturer has made the most great cars?

[white_goodman]

I seem to remember a similar question being posed on an episode of Top Gear and the surprise result was ...Lancia. I guess what I'm saying is, you can have an unlimited sized garage but only with cars from one manufacturer. Which one would it be?

I think Ferrari, Mercedes and Ford would definitely be in with a shout but on deeper thought I would go for BMW. This surprises me as I'm not a big fan of their modern stuff although I'm sure they are still great to drive and their efficiency is impressive.

However, BMW have always done a bit more than making cars that just go from A to B. You've got all the M cars, 2002 Turbo, CSL, Z1, 6 Series (1980s not the new one), 1980s and 1990s 7-Series and even the older saloons look very elegant. All great cars! They don't by all means have all the bases covered i.e. no proper modern supercar (where Mercedes have the SLS and Audi the R8) and no decent 4x4s (I know there's the X3 and X5 but too footballer's wives for me)! On balance though, they probably have the biggest list of cars that I would love to own!

What manufacturer would you choose?

[JBM78]

I'd make do with Porsches I reckon, cover most bases.

[velocemitch]

I could make do with Alfa's I reckon.....
33 Stradale and TZ2 to ogle at and drive at Goodwood etc
105 GTA to race
Giulietta Sprint to rally
1750 GTV for weekend drives
Giulietta 170MA for everyday
8C for best

and a whole host of prewar stuff if you feel the need to play at concourses

[Shaw Tarse]

This question has been asked recently.
VAG was popular!

[Aar0sc]

Triumph

[The Moose]

Porsche would get my vote!

Every day of the week.

Cheers

The Moose

[soad]

I'm going to say Porsche too

[Lordbenny]

Ford?

[falkster]

Clearly a biased vote but I'd say Porsche too.

[falkster]

Lordbenny said:

Ford?

I almost said Ford but the word 'great' wouldn't get everyones buy in. Very popular and fit for purpose but not great.

[Willy Nilly]

what are the criteria for a "great" car?

A lot of what people assume are "great" cars are too expensive and impracticable for me to consider them to be great.

A Fiat Multipla might be "great" for some people, because they can get all of the kids stuff in it.

An economical, comfy mile muncher would be a "great" car for a rep.

[Puddenchucker]

I'd probably opt for Mercedes.
Everything from a G-Wagen to a SLS via A-class to S-Class. And the original SL Gullwing.

Oh, and a Unimog

[Cock Womble 7]

Caterham.

[Jw Vw]

BMW for me.

X5 for the Chelsea tractor brigade, M3 and M5 for the enthusiast, 3 and 5 Series for the executive. And going back further, original M3, 8-Series, 2002, Z1. Good mix of common and rare motors, and the fact I just love 'em

[Matt_P]

BMW for me - best mix of everything

[scotty_d]

TVR they are all great fun. Never made a dull car and give you a thrill
"The spirit of driving"

[bmthnick1981]

BMW for me too.

Variety of M Cars, don't want or need an SUV or 4x4 thing. Only thing lacking is a modern supercar, an M1 from the 80's would be lovely though.

[GadgeS3C]

scotty_d said:

TVR they are all great fun. Never made a dull car and give you a thrill
"The spirit of driving"

Can't believe it took so long for TVR to be mentioned!

[Pistom]

Aar0sc said:

Triumph

Not as daft as it sounds - think about it

1800 Roadster

TR3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 8

Spitfire

GT6

Dolly Sprint

Herald

Vitesse

Then think of all the cars that use the fron suspension.

Yes all of the above are a bit crap but they were fun affordable cars that stood the test of time. In fact have improved with age.

They weren't the greatest cars but great none the less.

[R12HCO]

BMW

general chelsea tractor use = x5
a hoon around derbyshire hills = m3
trip to the ring with 4 pals = m5
everyday work car = 320d
Posh meeting = 7 series
Fun car/poser = z4m
A car for the family, dogs, mountain bikes = 335d/535d estate