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The leafy lanes of Sussex on a summer’s day are a driving paradise, particularly if you’re cruising to Goodwood Revival (September 8-10) in something appropriately timeless.
But what to buy? Prestige Driver, an official Charles & Dean partner, has over 130 dealers onboard and features nothing but dream cars for sale, classic and modern. Download the app and begin the search for your perfect Revival-ready classic, starting with these suggestions from a couple of Prestige Driver’s specialist dealers.
Porsche 911
Porsche’s rear-engined icon celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, meaning there’s a classic 911 for every style and budget.
‘They’re desirable and an aspirational buy, with prices from £130,000 up to £180,000 or even £200,000 depending on price and mileage. Right now, we have a triple concourse-winning car in the showroom with 40,000 miles for £150,000.
‘And we can’t ignore the Speedster and Turbo Flatnose. The Speedster is legendary – just such a rare and special car – but prices go from £180,000 to £400,000 and beyond for the very best examples. The so-called Flatnose is also highly desirable, being such a unique and interesting design. Some people just really aspire to own one of those. But again, that desirability means values aren’t far behind the Speedster.
Jaguar E-type
The E-type remains one of the most desirable automobiles ever built. Even Enzo Ferrari, not a man prone to complimenting machines other than his own, described the Jaguar as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. A good one also remains a magical car to drive, with a laidback turn of speed that somehow manages to be both involving and effortless.
But where to start? ‘The first thing to consider is the kind of driving you plan to do,’ explains Jack Twinam, sales manager for DM Historics, the sales arm of leading E-type specialist E-Type UK (etypeuk.com). ‘If it’s mainly weekend driving here in the UK then you’re probably looking a straight-six Series 1 or Series 2 car. But if you’re thinking about Grand Touring across Europe and down to the Alps, for example, then the V12 Series 3 might be a better option, just because the engine’s less stressed.
‘It’s also important to consider whether the priority for you is originality, and finding a car for collectors, or usability. True collectors want an early flat-floor, external bonnet-locking car like the E-type the world first saw at Geneva. But there aren’t many of those, they’re valuable and they’re pretty undrivable on modern roads, not least because there’s no synchro on first gear. And then you’re kind of stuck, because if you do upgrade you’ll likely also de-value the car…
‘For a good all-rounder we’d suggest a Series 1 with the 4.2-litre engine, choosing either the fixed-head coupe or open two-seater by preference. If the car’s an investment, we’d also suggest pairing this with genuine right-hand drive and full matching numbers. In terms of budget a car like that might set you back £110,000-£120,000 for a usable example, and perhaps closer to £150,000 for a fully restored car.’
Written by
Charles & Dean
