£100K Garage: Chris Bell

TVR, Lotus, Maserati and STILL enough in the bank for a classic and a hot hatch - £100K well spent!

By Nik Attard / Saturday, 12 December 2015 / Loading comments

Name

: Chris Bell

Previously owned

: Vauxhall Nova SR(!), Renault 5 GT Turbo, Citroen BX, Alfa Romeo 156, Alfa Romeo GTV and a long list of dull company cars

Currently owned

: A 1989 Mazda MX-5 Mk1 and a Seat Leon FR company car

On the shortlist

: "Loads, every time I've put one of these lists together over the last few years the result has been different, regulars musings have been loads of RS Audis and BMW M cars as well as a Honda NSX, a Caterham, a Ferrari 360 Modena and a Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI."

Lotus Elise S1 111S
Cost: £15,500
Balance: £84,500
Why I chose it: "I've driven a few Elises over the years and they never fail to impress, I've been on the brink of buying one on a few occasions but the practicality has always put me off. This one looks fantastic in yellow and has been well looked after, ideal for weekend blasts and a few trackdays."

Maserati Quattroporte GTS

Cost

: £32,950

Balance

: £51,550

Why I chose it

: "This was the hardest choice, I looked at RS4/6s M3/5s and XJRs but the heart wins over the head on this, I'm sure the Germans will be better cars but the engine and the looks clinch it for me. Perfect for the long journey from Cornwall to Norfolk where the folks now reside and even better for trips to Spa, Monza and Le Mans!"

TVR Cerbera 4.5
Cost: £24,995
Balance: £26,555
Why I chose it: "I grew up reading reviews on these and always wanted one, the noise, the performance I want one... In fact if SWMBO was not sitting next to me I'd be on the phone to the bank manager now!"

Fiat 500 Abarth 595 Replica

Cost

: £14,995

Balance

: £12,560

Why I chose it

: "Because it looks like a complete hoot! I've never driven a classic 500 and it'll probably be awful, but who cares? Weekend drives through the Cornish country side to the coast and a nice pub would be great in this!"

Renault Clio 2.0 16v Renaultsport 200
Cost: £8,488
Balance: £3,072
Why I chose it: "This would be the daily driver, it's ideal for Cornish B-roads, I don't think you need to make a case for a good hot hatch and this is one of the best!"