Classic Cars August 2018

New or old, Jaguars have always offered a generous dollop of style and performance for the money, and while many continue to do so as classics, the most iconic models have become no-one’s idea of a bargain. But over-familiarity has kept the rest helpfully suppressed, until now. Yet, from S-type to XKR, our favourite stalwarts of affordable power and poise have also been quietly creeping up in price. Time for our trawler of the classic car market, Russ Smith, to fish out the models that are best bought now before they move too much – it would be a crime for anyone to miss out on the uniquely life-enriching experience of Jaguar ownership. I once ran a Daimler Sovereign Series III. I grew to love its uncanny blend of serenity and capability more…

Welcome Why everyone deserves to experience the unique and creamy blend of style, handling and power of a Jaguar New or old, Jaguars have always offered a generous dollop of style and performance for the money, and while many continue to do so as classics, the most iconic models have become no-one’s idea of a bargain. But over-familiarity has kept the rest helpfully suppressed, until now. Yet, from S-type to XKR, our favourite stalwarts of affordable power and poise have also been quietly creeping up in price. Time for our trawler of the classic car market, Russ Smith, to fish out the models that are best bought now before they move too much – it would be a crime for anyone to miss out on the uniquely life-enriching experience of…

[ The List ] Your dream drive made real ‘It’s like a mini-Ferrari. It just wants to rev and rev’ The Alfa Romeo 1750GTV’s sophistication stood out for Hugh Marks in period. Almost five decades later, we give him the chance to experience it first hand Words ROSS ALKUREISHI Photography ALEX TAPLEY ‘First impressions are of the rightness of the design. Italian cars of this period always look so right’ Prior to meeting up for any List dream drive we have a number of telephone calls with the chosen reader. These provide the chance to gauge their classic likes, dislikes and automotive motivations – call it the aperitif, whetting their appetite for the main course. During conversations with retired librarian Hugh Marks however, it became clear…

Hugh Marks in period. Almost five decades later, we give him the chance to experience it first hand ‘First impressions are of the rightness of the design. Italian cars of this period always look so right’ Prior to meeting up for any List dream drive we have a number of telephone calls with the chosen reader. These provide the chance to gauge their classic likes, dislikes and automotive motivations – call it the aperitif, whetting their appetite for the main course. During conversations with retired librarian Hugh Marks however, it became clear there was a distinct disparity between his personality – calm, dignified and refined – and his dream drive list. Cue diminutive Icelandic songstress Björk’s greatest hit It’s Oh So Quiet: ‘…Shh shh. And so peaceful until…’ TVR Chimaera, zing boom; Jensen Interceptor,…

TVR Chimaera ‘Better looking than a Griffith, and just as brutal.’ Alfa Giulia Sprint GTV (105 series) ‘Great Italian style and classic double-overhead-cam engine.’ Alvis TF21 ‘A neighbour had one of these in the late Sixties – it looked elegant and debonair.’ Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III MPW ‘With those “eyes” it looks so much cooler than a standard Cloud.’ Bristol 411 ‘What an enigma! I’d love to find out if it’s as special as devotees say.’ Aston DB6 ‘I regularly saw one when I was walking to school – there was no Bond effect yet back then, but it was still glorious.’ Lotus Elan ‘I went gliding with school in 1964 and happened across 20 of them stored in a hangar – I’ve wanted one ever since.’ Jensen Interceptor MkII ‘Love the looks and the American V8 grunt.’ Maserati Ghibli ‘Simply one of the most beautiful cars…

HUGH’S DREAM DRIVE LIST TVR Chimaera ‘Better looking than a Griffith, and just as brutal.’ Alfa Giulia Sprint GTV (105 series) ‘Great Italian style and classic double-overhead-cam engine.’ Alvis TF21 ‘A neighbour had one of these in the late Sixties – it looked elegant and debonair.’ Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III MPW ‘With those “eyes” it looks so much cooler than a standard Cloud.’ Bristol 411 ‘What an enigma! I’d love to find out if it’s as special as devotees say.’ Aston DB6 ‘I regularly saw one when I was walking to school – there was no Bond effect yet back then, but it was still glorious.’ Lotus Elan ‘I went gliding with school in 1964 and happened across 20 of them stored in a hangar – I’ve wanted one ever…