The List

[Updated, May 2016 – Click here for part II] If you’re truly a car guy/girl, you have a list somewhere…I know I do…When you have a lifelong love affair with cars you’re bound to experience affection for a lot of different models, but there are always a few special ones with which you just fall for so hard that no matter what, you’d jump at the faintest, most immediate, impractical, disastrous opportunity to get one. These specific, burning passions might not be for the greatest cars out there, for the ones with the best performance or even the highest price, but they’re the ones on your List, your dream rides, the key pieces to your perfect garage.

Now, your list may be hopelessly long, ludicrous and unreasonable like mine (which would make even the – formerly – absurdly wealthy Sultan of Brunei shiver in terror when thinking of the overall cost of gathering up and maintaining everything in there…) or it may be a down to earth actually achievable goal of a couple of cars that truly speak to your heart. Today, after some painstaking consideration crowned with a lot of blood, sweat and tears…fine, I exaggerate…I managed to cut my Encyclopedia Brittanica of a list down to just 20 little gems (trust me, it’s a huge achievement) which I’ll now share and justify. Well rationalize anyway.

After more than a year and a half writing for Automotive Views (and having already done some articles on a few of these models) it felt right to pay a tribute to the all star team. (Note: the years in the titles refer to the ones I’d choose, not the year in which the models were first launched and the prices are an average for each of these specific models being sold at the moment in good or very good condition by private seller or dealerships; no auction style sales were used for reference)

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Aston Martin Lagonda (1985)

1985 Aston Martin Lagonda

1985 Aston Martin Lagonda (rear)

Why this car?

Why this car indeed…there is no reasonable, sane justification anyone can ever come up with for wanting a Lagonda. For all practical intents and purposes they’re horrible, horrible cars…hopeless in every single way. They were badly made, completely relying on an electric system that never worked at all and that you need a tricorder to even attempt to figure out…just a complete overall waste of space and Aston badges…or are they? True, it would cost a small fortune to get a Lagonda in proper working order but in the end, it would be so worth it because these are stunning looking machines, unappreciated masterpieces in automotive design history. And hey, there would be one properly working Lagonda in the world, so yay for that! Nothing has ever looked like a Lagonda and nothing will ever look even remotely like it again. They’re a truly unique creation. It’s big, weird, and devilishly appealing at the same time. You sure as hell ain’t gonna loose it in a parking lot! Despite all its tremendous flaws, I have always loved the Lagonda and I’ll continue to love it. (Click here to see my previous post on the Lagonda)

What’s the damage?

US – $45.000 to $70.000 (The one in the pictures is being sold by the good people of Hyman Ltd. Classic Cars at Saint Louis Missouri for $57.500)

UK – £25.000 to £50.000

Why not…a decent Aston? Well there are plenty of good ones to choose from, many of which are extremely impressive and beautiful machines. I certainly wouldn’t say no to a DBS it it were given to me…we may just have to go back to that one. However, in terms of character it’s tough (not to say impossible) to beat one of these. Not everyone will be able to put up with it, but the ones that do are in for a treat (somewhere in there, in the midst of all the bitterness that is…).

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BMW M5 (E39) (2000)

2000 BMW M5 (E39)

2000 BMW M5 (E39) rear

Why this car?

One of – if not – the best BMW’s ever made, a perfect machine which keeps withstanding the test of time as far as looks and performance go. The M5 has a lineage, it’s been refined over the years to become the ultimate covert weapon of choice for the people who want a family size rocket for the road and a practical way to scare their children to death. The 400 bhp V8 engine is wrapped up in an inconspicuous package that will take people by surprise every time. Beautifully made, beautifully balanced and probably the closest shot at actually coming up with (as BMW says) the ultimate driving machine. I love the E39 because…well, click here to see my previous post on the M5 and learn all about its magnificence.

What’s the damage?

US – $12.000 to $20.000

UK – £5.000 to £10.000

Why not…a modern M5? It’s all fine and dandy getting a firecracker of a V10 under the bonnet but a more recent M5 doesn’t really have the same charm as one of these babies. The current style is debatable, and BMW has made it pretty obvious so there’s very little chance of sneaking up on anyone and that alone almost defeats the whole point in getting an M5. Plus, the whole M brand is going downhill fast in terms of credibility…fake engine noise via the car stereo on the new M5…really BMW, really???

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Buick GNX (1987)

1987 Buick GNX

1987 Buick GNX (rear)

Why this car?

Renewed hope for American muscle, the Grand National was nothing short of extraordinary in its time and it’s still a highly desirable piece of automotive history today. It made a V6 engine feel more interesting than a V12 and it put European performance machines to shame. A straight forward car, but also a seriously evil and sexy looking thing. Atrocious interior quality but hey, 80’s American car so you can’t  expect much…I certainly wouldn’t care about that. The thing is, the Grand National wasn’t the ultimate Regal, not by a long shot. That title was reserved for the epic, savage, extraordinary GNX. 547 made, 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds…America’s unforgettable “Humiliation-Palooza ’87” of the European thoroughbreds. The GNX is automotive magic and one of the ultimate glove slaps to Ferrari and Lamborghini. Click here to see a previous article on the stunning GNX and learn more about its sexy, sexy self.

What’s the damage?

US – $55.000 to $110.000

UK – Currently not available

Why not…a regular Grand National? That’s a great question isn’t it? And the answer is somewhat tricky. Ok, of course I wouldn’t say no to a GNX…however these are rare and considerably pricey. For the purpose of having something beautiful to look at and fun to cruise with, a basic Grand National is a great choice and it will do a beautiful job. Sure the GNX is up there on top of the food chain, but the regular Grand National has nothing to be ashamed of! It’s a great car on its own and it will always have a special place in my heart as well. Plus, if raw power (or lack of it) becomes a big deal, a Grand National is tunable to the nth degree, so no worries there. My choice for the GNX is based solely on the fact that this list was made assuming money wouldn’t be an issue.

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Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe (1967)

1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe

1967 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe (rear)

Why this car?

Because of reasons. Ok, ok, fine…While female viewers got addicted to “Supernatural” because of the lead actors, I watch it because of the Impala. On the show, a 67 (best year ever for these) sedan is the star but for my list, I’ll go with a different body, the slick Coupe. On paper, there’s no particular reason to set the Impala apart from other similar cars from the late 60’s but it just feels special. It’s one of the most aggressive looking cars I know (although the “badass” vanity plate on this one is just a bit much, in principle I have to agree…) and I love it to no end. I love this thing so much I wouldn’t even need to go for the top of the range SS version, I’d be a happy camper with the basic one just as long as it’s black and I get to rev that V8 all the time.  (Click here to see my previous post on Supernatural’s 67 Impala)

What’s the damage?  

US – $10.000 to $40.000

UK – Approximately £15.000

Why not…a 69 Chevelle for instance? Plenty of beautiful, fire breathing coupes from this period. As I said before, nothing quite has the presence of the Impala and although there are mighty fine cars that could leave it in the dust, I’d still rather have it over anything else because nothing else from back then is even half as menacing…well, other than the monster 2nd gen. Charger of course. We’ll get to that one…

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Citroen DS (1969)

Citroen DS

Citroen DS (rear)

Why this car?

How could I not want one? Scratch that: how could anyone not want one ? For 20 years the DS was the pinnacle of car design and I’m not at all convinced that it has ever been surpassed. Alien looking, forever futuristic, the DS is still used all the time as a prop in sci fi. Featuring a revolutionary hydraulic suspension that made it ride along just fine in 3 wheels if needed, the DS was the choice of Presidents all over Europe when it came to selecting an official ride and it’s not hard to see why. Striking, overflowing with brand new technology, unique. Citroen’s greatest triumph.

What’s the damage?

US – $18.000 to $45.000

UK – £2.000 to £20.000

Why not…the question doesn’t apply here. There’s nothing the DS can be compared to. Hands down, in every single aspect, one of the greatest cars ever made.

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Citroen SM (1975)

1971 Citroen SM

1971 Citroen SM 2

Why this car?

Couldn’t very well have Citroen’s finest moment without mentioning a very close second…After a weird love affair, Citroen and Maserati gave the world one of the weirdest, most wonderful sports cars ever. Featuring the DS’ revolutionary suspension and good old Italian passion under the hood, the SM ended up being a bit too complex for its time, stuff of nightmares for mechanics in Europe and the U.S. alike. However, it remains as one of the most remarkable car designs ever conceived. A favorite of mine since childhood, this List had to have a spot for the SM.

What’s the damage?

US – $65.000 to $85.000

UK – £30.000 to £40.000

Why not…again,  question doesn’t apply because, like the DS before, there’s nothing to compare it to.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat (2015)

dodge challenger hellcat black

hellcat-mecum-houston-13

Why this car?

The Challenger has always been a won bet for Dodge. Another American Muscle revival project, the Challenger has been getting better and better with age; 2008 was a good first year, by 2012 these were already mind-blowingly good and in 2015…well, in 2015 all hell broke loose. A hellcat actually…at 707 bhp and 650 lb·ft of torque, the 6.2L Hemi SRT Hellcat is the pinnacle of Challenger evolution. People lost their minds when the final bhp figure was revealed and it’s not difficult to see why. The old American Muscle learned new tricks and it’s now more powerful than  a Ferrari 599GTO, more powerful than a Lamborghini LP 700-4 Aventador, more powerful than a Pagani Huayra! Exotics, run and hide. Ok, you may be thinking – justifiably – that it ain’t all about being fast in a straight line. But the Hellcat has the corners basically covered as well. Dodge took the Hellcat on a German holiday, running the ring with a passenger and stock tires; the time: 7 minutes and 51 seconds. As good as the exotics I just mentioned? Nope. Do I care. Absolutely not. Still a very respectable time for what it is, faster than a Nissan GTR or a 997 Turbo. Still, the ring isn’t prime Hellcat territory, light to light and quarter miles are and at that, it absolutely excels. Hilariously powerful, obvious without being over the top (as far as looks are concerned), this is one of the best products Uncle Sam has to offer.

What’s the damage?

US – $60.000 to $70.000

UK – Approximately £65.000 – but it’s a very narrow sellers market

Why not…a classic Challenger? Well speaking of which…

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Dodge Challenger 426 Hemi R/T (1970)

Hemi Challenger

1970 Dodge Challenger 426 Hemi  R/T (rear)

Why this car?

Well just take a look at it in all its (surprisingly for a 70’s muscle car, once you ignore this particular banana yellow) discrete magnificence…can you hear me Kowalski!? I love the original Challenger and I personally think it’s unfair to compare it to newer models like some people do. You wouldn’t compare a 70’s Ferrari to a current one for instance, so why do it with muscle cars? Makes no sense. The Challenger is one of the great icons of the 70’s muscle culture and no one is left indifferent to it; you’d have to have a heart of stone in order to not feel a thing for this cutie. Plus it’s the star of “Vanishing Point”. In the movie, a regular R/T is the weapon of choice and not the 426 Hemi but still, an epic car doing what it does best in what may very well be the ultimate chase movie (I think so anyway). If you haven’t seen it do so, now! Well after you finish reading the article anyway…

What’s the damage?

US – Whatever someone will take, but it will be a lot…to $300.000

UK – Not currently available

Why not…a different model? Because Hemi + Shaker = a happy me. This is it, the ultimate Challenger.

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Dodge Viper R/T 10 (1994)

1994 Dodge Viper R/T 10

1994 Dodge Viper R/T 10 (rear)

Why this car?

Well if someone were to actually ask me this question, I’d know it would be pointless to discuss. Hate to sound like a snob/fanboy, but if you have to wonder, you don’t get the car. The Viper is one of the most hardcore, straightforward, no nonsense rides ever to see the light of day. It’s an engine with some wheels attached and…and…no, actually that’s pretty much just that, engine and wheels. Perfect! Well there’s that pesky practicality issue, you can’t really leave it anywhere because, you know…no roof, no windows, no lock so…it won’t be there when you come back. But do I care about such details? Meh. I only plan to stop at gas stations anyway and I’ll be sure to leave a particularly ill-tempered Rottweiler inside just in case…The Viper is one of those cars that would just be impossible to get away with today; idealized back in ‘89 and sold from ‘92 on, the lack of any safety features or driver aids assured that one of its main missions is to kill the driver as fast and as efficiently as it can but heck, everyone loves it anyway! Side exhausts? Check! Killer looks that are still spring fresh 20 years later? Check! Monster V10 that you don’t so much rev up but poke with a stick and hope for the best? Big check! I really need one of these…Even among favorites, it still pretty much tops the list.

What’s the damage?

US – $27.000 to $31.000 (The one in the pictures is being sold by the good people of Steve Harris Imports in Salt Lake City Utah for $29.900)

UK – £25.000 to £35.000

Why not…a recent model? Because the original Viper is an icon, a very slightly domesticated axe murderer that you can’t help but fall for in a big way. Over the years it became slightly more driver friendly, still savage but the rawness of the original is absolutely irreplaceable. Plus the original ones (‘92 to ‘95) are stunning pieces of design that has only (quite frankly) been messed up further and further ever since.

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Ford GT (2005)

2005 Ford GT

2005 Ford GT (rear)

Why this car?

550bhp. Oh I have to continue? Right…hmm…let’s see…well this is Ford’s nuke which very efficiently blew back in ‘05. Inspired by the legendary GT40 which owned Ferrari’s ass at Le Mans from ‘66 to ‘69, the GT is an amazing piece of engineering and it looks perfect! I wouldn’t change an inch of this car even if I could. Bursting with mind-boggling power and yet perfectly capable of being civilized, the Ford GT is one of those rare, larger than life creations. What a way for Ford to commemorate 100 years in business! Sure some critics whined over stupid reasons, but those are the kind of people that just love the sound of their own voice, it doesn’t matter what they say as long as they get to say it.

What’s the damage?

US – $170.000 to $240.000 (The one in the pictures is being sold by the good people of Ford GTs for Sale of Fresno, California)

UK – £126.000 to £145.000

Why not…an original GT40 or a replica? Because the original GT40s are museum pieces that cost more than bricks of platinum wrapped in gold decorated with diamonds. Even if I could afford one easily one day (let’s say for the sake of argument I’d make Trump look like a tramp), they’re hopelessly impractical for my height…there’s no way I could fit in there without smashing my skull as soon as I tried to close the door…and replicas, well a short time ago I’d have told you those are the devil’s work, but now…I’m pretty ok with stuff a few good companies do. The CAV GT40s seem particularly nice.

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Ford Mustang Mach 1 S Code 390 (1969)

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 390

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 390 (rear)

Why this car?

1969 marked the peak of Mustang design. 1965 is good, ‘68 is even better (fastback – Bullitt!) but ‘69…there’s just something about that year. Ford was kind enough to mess everything up in the mid 70’s, but for one glorious year the Mustang was absolutely perfect! There was plenty to choose from since the basic stuff to the high and mighty (ill received at the time) Boss 429. It and the Boss 302 are fetching obscene prices nowadays. However I’m a more devoted fan of something much more…middle range. The Mach 1 was a very nice compromise: not as basic as the plain fastbacks (or “sportsroof”…silly name) but still a long way from being track worthy, the Mach 1 is just plain cool. Achingly beautiful, perfect from any angle you look at it, full of great little period details like the graphics and the rear window louvers (I wouldn’t dream of getting one without those!). Equipped with a respectable 390 V8 and carrying around character by the bucket load…this is another favorite among favorites.

What’s the damage? 

US – $20.000 to $50.000 (The one in the pictures is being sold by the good people of Mainly Muscle Cars at Monroe, Washington for $33.950)

UK – Not currently available

Why not…a modern one? Altough current Mustangs are pretty damn impressive and so good looking…there’s no substitute for a classic.

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Jaguar E-Type (1961)

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (rear)

Why this car?

The E-Type is widely acclaimed as the most beautiful car ever made. It isn’t. Don’t get me wrong, it is beautiful, truly beautiful, it was even praised at the time by the (let’s go with) difficult Enzo Ferrari himself but it isn’t “the” most beautiful. It’s on the top 5at least though, that’s for sure. A massive victory for car design, back in the 60’s the E-Type chewed up and spat out the rule book; it became more than a car, it turned into a symbol for a whole decade. Modern, fast, and costing a fraction of anything that even came close to it in terms of looks and performance, the E-Type was as appropriate for the time as hippies. A massive step forward in automotive history.

What’s the damage?

US – $44.000 to $130.000

UK – £35.000 to £100.000

Why not…a convertible one? Yeah, why not…? Beautiful car as well, I’ve actually always been a little bit divided between the two (he said, with 0 prospects of ever having to make the choice for real). The important thing with a E-Type is to get a Series 1 because this Jag was like an explosion, it marked history with a huge bang, it burned bright for a while and then with Series 2 and 3, when Jaguar messed it up beyond belief by putting in ugly as sin headlights and front grills and creating the 2+2 swollen aberrations, it faded out.

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Mercedes Benz 560 SEC AMG Wide body (1988)

1989 Mercedes Benz 560 SEC AMG Wide Body

1989 Mercedes Benz 560 SEC AMG Wide Body (rear)

Why this car?

My List could never be complete without an AMG, a classic one! Mercedes is (well should be anyway) all about luxury but one does not simply overlook AMG’s sorcery when it comes to turning heavy as continents cars in pavement tearing, mildly homicidal machines. And this…this is a special one when it comes to AMG displays of “hey! look what we can do!”: the 560 SEC AMG wide body. That wide body bit is really important because although you may think a body kit is not all that significant, here it is, big time! It gives a character to this thing that regular SEC AMGs simply don’t have. Just a big pile of triple black coolness, this 6.0L V8 powered menace to society doesn’t show up for sale that often so here’s to hoping I can snag one someday .  (Click here to see my previous post on the 560).

What’s the damage?

In both markets (US and UK), prices are extremely subjective. This thing can go for anything up to 150 grand (US)

Why not…a brand new AMG? Nothing AMG can throw your way nowadays is this cool. I wouldn’t trade the 560 for an SL65 AMG Black Series and I freaking love the 65 Black…

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Mercedes Benz 600 W100 SWB (1966)

Why this car?

Back in the 60’s and 70’s you couldn’t possibly be a big shot without riding in one of these. A W100 was a must for every magnate and 3rd world dictator out there, it was the ultimate status symbol, the greatest of the great Mercedes, the pinnacle of comfort and of course, the most important thing about it is that it had a big booth which was extremely useful to carry the bodies of all your oppositors. This particular massive 600 in which I’d very much like to indulge my delusions of grandeur is actually the baby”of the family, the short wheel base. The big kahunas were all about the Pullman, the limo version of the W100, pretty much a fortress/palace on wheels…not even I am that much of a megalomaniac, the basic 2.5+ tons 16.5 feet long is plenty for me. You can read all about the amazing 600in a previous AV post by clicking here.

What’s the damage?

US – $70.000 to $125.000 (The one in the pictures is being sold by the good people of Hyman LTD. Classic Cars at St. Louis, Missouri for $125.000)

UK – £44.000 to £80.000

Why not…a modern, super powered Mercedes? Because the German brand is (or, again,  should be) first and foremost about luxury, and it doesn’t get more luxurious than this.

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Porsche 911 S (1969)

1969 Porsche 911S

1969 Porsche 911S (rear)

Why this car?

The one who truly got the Porsche saga on its way, the original 911 stands in a class of its own when it comes to automotive icons. The 911 was launched in ‘63 and from that moment on, right up until one generation ago (they kind of messed up the new one after over 40 of positive evolution…), it has been continuously improved. Not everyone can handle a 911, especially the older models. You have to remember the thing is essentially a huge pendulum so no monkey business in the corners…You forget to treat it with the popper respect and it will turn on you like that! I’m especially fond of the ’69 S because first of all, it was the top dog (although the E would give it a pretty good run for its money) and master of cool Steve McQueen owned one (the 911 in the pictures is actually the one owned my McQueen and sold at auction back in 2011 for almost 1.4 million dollars); second, ‘69 was the year in which a number of significant changes brought greater stability to the nervous 911, making it much more driver friendly.

What’s the damage?

US – $40.000 to $125.000

UK – £30.000 to £80.000

Why not…something that packs a bit more punch, let’s say the ‘73 2.7 RS? Although I’d be tempted, I’d have to go with the ‘69 S. It’s clean, simple, gorgeous and raw. The first incarnation, the original, the birth of the legend.

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Porsche 911 993 Turbo (1998)

porsche_911_turbo_3.6_coupe_40 copy

porsche_911_turbo_3.6_coupe_41copy

Why this car?

The massive, gorgeous whale tail. Simple as that. The last of the air cooled 911 turbos, this thing wasn’t just respectably fast, it stands still today as one of the Stuttgart greats (which reflects on the price tag…). Ever since I first saw one of these I was impressed for life with that fantastic rear end and I’d honestly buy one just so I could look at that thing every day. Plus, check out the front, isn’t this one of the friendliest looking cars you’ve ever seen? Reminds me of a puppy.

What’s the damage?

US – $70.000 to $110.000

UK – £60.000 to £125.000

Why not…let me stop you right there. Whale tail. That is all.

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Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Estate (kinda) (1984)

1984 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Estate

1984 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Estate (rear)

Why this car?

Why indeed…this one…oh boy, this one is hard to explain…I love wagons (estates) and I inexplicably love the Silver Spirit, so this is a perfect combo for me. On the downside, this might have had a slight career as a…hearse. It’s best if you read the whole story here, along with some info on other cool, rare estates/wagons.

What’s the damage?

US – Currently not available

UK – (Europe, actually) anything from 20 to 35 thousand Euros when they show up, but these are rare as hen’s teeth.

Why not…a plain Silver Spirit if I like them so much? Who knows, I might have kids one day, a wagon will be useful! They don’t need to know it carried dead folks around.

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Shelby Series 1 Supercharged (1999)

1999 Shelby Series 1 Supercharged

1999 Shelby Series 1 Supercharged (rear)

Why this car?

Most of the times completely overlooked, the Series 1 is the brainchild of the late racing legend Carroll Shelby, the only car he designed and engineered from scratch. The Series is the definition of unique; there isn’t another supercar (and make no mistake, this is a supercar) that looks anything remotely like it. Visually it’s beyond impressive, a beautiful machine which is also a lasting testament to Shelby’s constant will to throw together random bits and pieces and come up with something special. The Series 1 had a seriously difficult birth (and life). Back in the late nineties, quality issues plagued the legendary Shelby name. People were getting cars that were nothing but trouble and they were naturally pissed off, hell if I had coughed up that much cash for a brand new Shelby and it turned out to be lousy, I’d be pissed of as well, big time. Luckily some much needed cash flow was injected in the company and things started to run much more smoothly. However, what you have to understand about the Series 1 is that the car is a puzzle, made from a ton of different parts and it remained a work in progress even after it started being sold…so these ended up with a bunch of (pricey) problems that had to be taken cared of. But when they finally started to run smoothly, boy oh boy! Powered by an Oldsmobile (that’s right, Oldsmobile) V8 originally developed for Indy Racing, the Supercharged version of the Series 1 will do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds. Let me put that into perspective, that’s faster than the Corvette ZR1, the Ferrari 599 GTO, the Porsche Carrera GT, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the Lamborghini LP640, etc, etc, etc…Sure the Series 1 had some serious glitches, but this modern interpretation of the Cobra deserves serious attention and TLC because it really is something extraordinary! If I could afford one of these (and don’t think that just because it has problems it’s any cheaper!) I’m sure I’d still have to pay Shelby bucket loads of cash to get in perfect working order but I know that in the end it would be worth every cent…

What’s the damage?     

US – $110.000 to $189.000

UK – Not currently available

Why not…a classic Shelby? Scroll down…

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Shelby GT500 (1969)

1969 Shelby GT500

1969 Shelby GT500 (rear)

Why this car?

I’m a sucker for Shelby cars, I really am and the ‘69 GT500 is a serious obsession. It’s unique and most importantly it shows where Mustang design could have gone to instead of heading down that bland road that was the mid 70’s look Ford ended up slapping on the pony; this is especially puzzling after Ford having fought Carroll Shelby to get this particular style on the ‘69 GT500…go figure! The ‘69 GT500 isn’t as popular (or to be honest, as good) as the all might ‘67, but it is a damn gorgeous ride.

What’s the damage?

US – $84.000 to $175.000 (The one in the pictures was recently sold by the good people of the International Auto Group at Pompano Beach, Florida)

UK – Not currently available

Why not…a brand new GT500? Modern GT500s are awesome, but vintage is cooler. There’s no competing with 60’s design.

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Shelby GT500 “Eleanor”

1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor

1967 Shelby GT500 Eleanor (rear)

Why this car?   

We saved the best for last”…Boy, am I gonna get some heat for this one. Personally, I believe this the most beautiful (tuned) car ever created, no competition. Many, MANY folks will disagree with me on that one and I get it, because first of all taste is relative and second, there have been so much crappy Eleanor clones put out in the market that most people can’t even remember what the original, unmolested, screen accurate car looks like. Created by legendary hot rod artist Steve Stanford and brought to life by designer Chip Foose, “Eleanor” was idealized to star in the 2000 remake of the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”. Presented as a 1967 GT500, “Eleanor”(s) was actually built over 1968 fastbacks. 12 were made, 7 survived Bruckheimer’s torture and since then, countless copies have been created, some very good, others completely atrocious. The bad ones have tanked the car’s reputation like no other. There isn’t another movie car which gets the hate this one does.

What’s the damage?

Very, very hard to say. As I mentioned, there are plenty of replicas around and just because they’re expensive, doesn’t mean they’re any good. An original movie car (the one in the pictures) sold back in 2009 for $217.000 at auction. A good looking replica is somewhere in the neighborhood of the 120 grand mark; an “Eleanor” made by the ill faded “Unique Performance” might cost about 40.000 more and I’ve seen a few done by “Classic Recreations” who are pushing the 300k mark. In the UK, I saw a clone for £80.000 but it left much to be desired. If like me, someone is aiming for absolute authenticity and perfection, there’s always the chance of making one yourself, but be ready for a challenge that would make Ulysses’ voyage seem like a lazy Sunday walk.

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Image credits

Lagonda

M5

GNX (+)

Impala

DS

SM (Archive)

Hellcat (+)

426 Hemi R/T

Viper

GT

Mach 1

E-Type (+)

600


560

911S

993 Turbo

Silver Spirit

Series 1

GT500

GT500 E

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13 thoughts on “The List

  1. of course like your website but you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality then again I’ll definitely come back again.

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