£100K Garage: Laurence Brown
Why have one V8 when you could have four? Laurence makes the case
Previously owned: "VW Lupo 1.1, Peugeot 106 Quiksilver, Land Rover Discovery V8, VW Golf Mk IV GTI, Subaru Legacy, BMW 330CI."
Currently owns: Mercedes C200K
On the shortlist: "Perhaps a bit too much German metal here for some tastes? A weekend/Sunday Service GT, family wagon, 4x4, project car, two-seater B-road weapon/track toy, two German super saloons and a car for the missus for good measure. Ended up with £495 left in my pocket, so in other words just enough to run the E63 for a week/have a weekend out getting muddy in the Disco. As to whether or not they'll all fit in the barn at home? The jury is still out."
Cost: £29,980
Balance: £70,020
Why I chose it: "Criteria is a weekend GT that has to look and sound great. Considered a Maserati for similar money but this sub £30K DB9 ticks both the looks and sound boxes, and has a V12 to boot. I wonder what colour it is under that matte wrap? Here's hoping it isn't hot pink."
Audi S4
Cost: £12,400
Balance: £57,620
Why I chose it: "Initially I had my head in the clouds and looked at RS2s to fulfil the family wagon slot (because they're rare and I've always wanted one in Nogaro Blue), but the family requires more modern practicality, so, unwilling to sacrifice performance, I settled for this lovely B7 S4. I think the dark grey exterior with white leather Recaros is a great combination, sure it's a bit leggy at 77K but I'd definitely be chipping it like Mr Harris so wear is anticipated regardless!"
Cost: £3,200
Balance: £44,425
Why I chose it: "Plain and simple this one, I need a project/investment car. Something I could put serious time in the garage into, restore back to prime condition and sell at a premium in the future. Considered an Alfa, E36s M3s E30s even a BMW 2002 but couldn't quite resist the cult status and the sound of that 16-valve 190. This example at £3K screams 'money pit', but that's exactly why it made the list."
BMW E39 M5
Cost: £9,995
Balance: £47,625
Why I chose it: "To me, the E39 M5 is the best looking M5, a perfect balance of performance and subtlety. Combine that with their price at the moment and you have a hell of a lot of car for the money. A black one of these always had a guaranteed spot in my £100K garage."
Cost: £2,990
Balance: £41,435
Why I chose it: "Sentimental purchase this one, an early three-door V8 example was the first car I drove and the sheer amount of torque that gurgling V8 chucks out has stayed with me ever since. Crippling fuel economy (single digit MPG not uncommon), this is the only 4x4 I would consider with classic Rangies now at such a premium."
Lotus Elise S2
Cost: £15,950
Balance: £25,485
Why I chose it: Considered an SLK55, Cayman and a TVR for this role but eventually settled for a generation two Elise. Perfect toy to throw around on track and down B-roads on Sunday. I think this enthusiast owned FSH black on black example is excellent. Not sure how long I'd keep the black wheels in favour of some Gold OZ five-spokes though...
Cost: £17,490
Balance: £7,995
Why I chose it: "Because you can never have too many large German V8 super saloons in your fantasy £100K garage! The W211 E-Class is one of my absolute favourite Mercedes designs, and in 63 AMG guise that little bit more special. I was very much inspired by the recent PH Carpool featuring a similar E63, which got me doing all kinds of man maths to figure out if I could afford one in the real world. This would be my daily driver for sure. Now to get the fuel put on expenses..."
BMW 130i
Cost: £7,500
Balance: £495
Why I chose it: "This one is for the missus. She drives a 118i at the moment and loves it, so I think this with a bit more poke is the perfect upgrade. Had to go for that lovely straight six for when I nip to the shops! Right at the bottom end of the price range for 130is, but there's a BMW mechanic in the family so fingers crossed this example would hold up."
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k muffins
£20k is a lot more fun and a lot more realistic to fill. Opens up cars like the 147/156/VRS that are very cheap to pick up these days.
The M5 seems strong money for a pre-facelift car, despite the low miles. The blue inserts look a lot better in reality, they appear overpowering in photographs (mine has them). 130i a great choice of hatch, but that interior looks like its seen better days.
The only other option I'd consider would be to buy fewer but generally more valuable / desirable cars, still taking care not to buy "too new" and waste the money.
The only other option I'd consider would be to buy fewer but generally more valuable / desirable cars, still taking care not to buy "too new" and waste the money.
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