A new year dawns and a lot of people are making resolutions about what they’d like to do or not do, depending on whether you’re talking about going to the gym or smoking. So, while most of those resolutions will come to naught — like they have for the past All Of The Years — I was thinking about something else that will never happen.
Follow me on a little flight of fantasy, and let’s see where we end up.
First, and most importantly: all fantasies have rules. All of you can assume only the following non-variable situation:
1. You’ve got unlimited money, for an unlimited number of vehicles to collect.
2. You’ve got unlimited storage for said vehicles, no matter their size, condition, or level of leakage or fire hazard.
Easy enough, right? But numbers one and two created a bit of conflict for number three in my mind. Most car guys/girls/nonbinaries are fans of select models across many brands. But that’s not the game today. So what have I got in my spotless fantasy garage, wherein the leather does not age, and it matters not if the electrics bear a Lucas crest?
Jaguar.
The leaping cat has earned its place in my fantasy garage. Their models across the decades specialize in looking great and being quick — a dignified conveyance of prestige, leather, and quiet. “Ah, yeah but…” I hear you saying, “those will break down a lot!” Reliability isn’t one of our three rules, and neither is fuel consumption, so get out of here with that. Instead, have a look at some of the things I’d put behind my hand-carved mahogany garage doors. I’ll try and limit it to just a few examples, otherwise I’ll spend all day talking about old Jags.
XKSS, 1957
From leftover D Type racers, Jaguar created a few XKSS examples available for sale to the public. The curves and speed were still there, except now it had a roof and bumpers. There were supposed to be 25 of them, but a fire at the factory meant only 16 made it into customer hands. It’s fantastic.
Mark X, 1961-1970
The beautiful Mark X was the first Jaguar sedan with modern aerodynamic styling. Compared to its Mark IX predecessor, it was much more tidy in shape and proportion. Gone were the pontoon rear fenders and tall trunk fit for train cases. Its elegant interior had burl wood and chrome for days.
XJ13, 1966
They only made one, and it never did what it was supposed to do: race at LeMans. Maybe that’s why it looks so much like a GT40. It’s probably not even for sale, but I’m sure it will be once enough zeroes are added to the check. Mine now.
XJ12C, 1975-1978
XJ220, 1992-1994
Pretty much a flop, as a recession and market index-linked purchase contracts added nearly £200,000 (roughly $387,000 USD in 1991) to the retail price between 1990 and 1992. Jaguar also announced it was building road versions of the XJR-9 with its 12-cylinder engine while trying to sell the XJ220. But would you just look at it, rear brake lamps from the Rover 200 and all.
XJ, 2007-2009
The final entry in my abridged garage is the last version of the XJ to maintain a link to traditional Jaguar saloon styling — the XJ308. Available in long wheelbase Super V8 guise, this modern interpretation of the classic Mark II would be the last to have the old DNA front and center. A horsepower figure of 390 was nothing to sneeze at, either.
You can have a lot of fun with unlimited money. Your turn, B&B.
[Image: XKSS; Jaguar Land Rover]
In no particular order:
Lada Niva
Original Mini Minor (with the tiny SU carburetors 10″ wheels or whatever they were)
Hemi Dart with an 833
Seriously. Rule 3.
But I don’t want to decide on only one brand!!
This ain’t no democracy!
One brand to rule them all, one brand to find them, One brand to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
Johann chants that every day in SoHo.
If I had unlimited money then I’d buy all three brands and merge them. Ah *ha*!
I submit that limiting it down to one brand makes this a tough challenge. Hat tip to you for making this one of the rules.
I’ll keep the Hemi Dart.
“One brand to rule them all, one brand to find them, One brand to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”
… in the land of Flint, where the shadows lie…
Johan strokes his chin in thought as he chants this. A giant mural of a Cimarron adorns the wall behind him.
“Johan strokes his chin in thought as he chants this. A giant mural of a Cimarron adorns the wall behind him.”
Does that mean OnStar is the automotive Eye of Sauron?
He has a large OnStar button integrated into his desk, which is covered in quilted emu leather. Pressing it emits a tone, and a response from his personal secretary.
“Yes, commander…”
“This ain’t no democracy!”
We’re an anarchosyndicalist commune!
Oh, but you can’t expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a car at you.
“watery tart”
Waaatery taaart… very woody sounding!
Rolls Royce.
I would have something from the 1970-Present.
Stu. De. Baker.
Begin with bullet-noses, move on to Hawks & Larks.
What, no Avanti?
Eewww… Owl Face.
Studebaker. Here is another shout out to the boys from South Bend. 37′ Dictator Coupe and of course a 37′ Coupe Express.
Look at these wonderful model names and trim designations!
Avanti, Big Six, Champion, Commander, Conestoga, Cruiser, Daytona, Dictator, Flight Hawk, Gran Turismo Hawk, Golden Hawk, Hawk, Power Hawk, Silver Hawk, Sky Hawk, Land Cruiser, Lark, Light Four, Light Six, President, Scotsman, Special Six, Speedster, Standard Six, Starlight, Wagonaire.
I’d love to see some of those names recycled. (Other than Land Cruiser – which is already in use by Toyota.)
I don’t see an acronym among them and its the law now to name everything after a meaningless acronym.
“I’d love to see some of those names recycled. (Other than Land Cruiser – which is already in use by Toyota.)”
Avanti – recycled on itself
Cruiser – used on several Oldmobile wagons
Daytona – Dodge
President – Nissan
Avanti – dead
Daytona – dead
President – not available in North America
I’m going assume my vast wealth allows me to by-pass the 25 year importation ban nonsense since most things can be fixed with a hot cash injection.
Therefore, without hesitation:
Nissan.
Hakosuka and Kenmeri
RS Turbo
Silvia
Cedric/Gloria
Godzilla
240, 300
Nissan was my fist thought when I read the last rule; so many cool cars up to the 90’s.
Since you didn’t mentioned it, I guess I can take the only R390 GT1 ever produced :)
Porsche.
Rationale:
They are great cars that you can actually drive any day.
935 in Martini Livery
Steve McQueen’s cars (911 and 917)
The 904 is cool
959 Dakar is WAAY cool
Little Bird
Carrera RSR
Carrera GT
Eventually, Jazz the Autobot will be acquired and we’ll hang out.
I initially thought about Porsche, but my heart said otherwise.
Stop reading my mind Parker Lewis.
Haa.
For me it’s Porsche. Mostly because I’m a current owner, I have always been drawn to them and I know a good deal about some classic models. Off the top of my head, I’d go for:
-a singer restoration
-718 RS Spyder
-1960’s 911 R and of course a brand new 911 R
-914-6 (had a lot of fun as a teenager in one)
-Early 70’s 911 Carrera RS
-Probably a 356, just for how classic it is
-Boxster Sypder
In your opinion, are all Singers still Porsches? If they mix and match parts, and “reimagine” the car, does that still count?
It doesn’t have the baller status of Jag, Ferrari, or whatever, but the various cars of Prince/Datsun/Nissan/Infiniti:
Skylines of the Hakosuka, Kenmeri, R30, and R33 generations.
Zs – a pristine US market ’70, an ex-Bob Sharp racer, a Z432R, an ’82/’83 Turbo ZX, and probably a Shiro Special Z31.
A 510 two-door.
A Prince R380.
Mid-’80s Hardbody King Cab 4×4.
A Pulsar SE Twincam with the Sportback.
A rust-free B13 SE-R.
Maybe a Q60 Red Sport as a new daily driver.
I don’t really have the “collector” gene, nor do I desire some vast warehouse full of cars a la Jay Leno. Just not my style.
I’d rather do 2-3-4 houses in interesting places and 1-2 interesting cars in each of their garages.
But if I had a gun to my head, I’d collect something like lesser Ferraris (512BB, 308GTS, 550 Maranello) or just a couple interesting Porsches (993, 930, 928). Or maybe just a couple McLarens, an F1 and a 570S.
The McLaren idea would be more fun if they had more cars to choose from. Lotus would be a good choice as well, with their wide range of quirky things.
If I had an F1 and a 570S I’m struggling to think of what else I’d need.
I’m with you–I’d much rather have houses in interesting places with a few toys in the garage, than a vast warehouse of cars.
Just yesterday I had the following “if I won the lottery” conversation with my sister:
Me: I’d have a warehouse full of oddball inexpensive cars.
Her: I’d have a bunch of houses all over the place.
Me: Cool. Then I wouldn’t need the warehouse…
Mazda Rotaries
– All generations of the RX7 from 1978 Series 1 to 2002 Series 8. Since money is no object, I will pull a Bill Gates and pay congress to make me an exception to import a 2002 RX-7 Spirit R.
– RX-8
– RX-5
– RX-4
– RX-3 in all body styles, including coupe, sedan, and station wagon.
– RX-2
– Mazda Eunos Cosmo in all generations including a 1967 Series 1.
– The Mazda Roadpacer AP, a really weird car. It was a Holden Premier that was shipped to Japan sans engine where Mazda fitted it with a rotary. Only 800 were made.
I’m glad someone else knows about the Roadpacer as well. And I like all Cosmos! Also I’d have a blocky 929S.
And how could I forget the REPU? The rotary engined pickup truck!
And the little known Mazda Parkway, a rotary powered bus.
If I could shift the rules ever so slightly, I’d rather collect the works of a designer, rather than manufacturer. Giorgetto Giugiaro has designed everything from the pedestrian to supercars. My collection would include:
-Lotus Esprit
-original VW Golf
-Maser Ghibli
-original Lexus GS
-Alfa Alfetta GT
-BMW M1
You forgot the DeLorean DMC-12.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLorean_DMC-12
You cannot shift the rules.
But I could argue that among car enthusiasts, Giugiaro IS a brand.
Honda of course:
AP1 S2000
AP2 S2000 CR
1997 NSX
2001 electric blue prelude
2000 Civic Si
Integra Type R
BMW is a close second brand for me.
This is a good start, but you are missing out on some of the best toys:
(everything manual that can be)
HondaJet
Honda marine engines for my boat toys (honestly I’m not much of an outboard guy, but I’ll take what I can get)
Aquatrax F12x
`07 S2000 (championship white, with the black and red interior)
`94 NSX (one of the first 9 Brooklands green ones, as they had the black roof, with a tan interior)
`99 NSX Alex Zanardi Edition
`05 NSX (Grand Prix white, coupe (non UDSM))
’05 NSX-T (technically, they ended the coupe option in 02 so everything is a -T, but) (one in Long Beach Blue Pearl, one in New Imola Orange Pearl)
`95 NSX Type R
’02 NSX-R
`01 DC2 ITR with the JDM front end (white, of course)
`02 CH1 ATR EU version.
`91 CRX SI (white)
`89 Civic SI (red)
`91 Civic SI (white)
`00 Civic SI (Electron blue pearl)
`03 Legend Exclusive (JDM or Australia only, I think. Maybe euro)
FCX Clarity (cause it’s neat)
’15 Jade RS (white)
’16 StepWGN
’95 delSol VTEC (USDM
’96 delSol VTEC Transtop (EDM or JDM)
And the next best part of Honda: (abs wherever possible)
2016 Honda RC213V-S
a couple of the past RC-V bikes (the race ones)
one of every single VFR generations, especially:
`06 VFR 800 in white with the factory bags, heil bar risers, color matched cowl for the rear seat. (talk about the one that got away)
Full series of NSR500
NR500
NR750
CBX (oh hell yea)
CBR1100XX
CBR1000RR
CBR600 F4i
Transalp
Nighthawk N700SC
Grom
`86 GL1200 Aspencade SEi
Valkyrie
`16 GL1800 Goldwing with all the toys
Rune (because awesome)
NM4 (dual clutch in a bike? i’d like to play with it)
Thats all i can think of now.
I’m inclined to say Jaguar or Porsche. But since those marques have been suggested, I’ll go with Shelby.
I’d buy Shelby’s personal 289 Cobra, the first one made, followed by a 427, and a Daytona Coupe. I’d buy one of each from the MKI-IV GT40s, including the LeMans winning cars. That would be followed by the Shelby Mustangs – ’66 GT-350, an original GT-500, and an Eleanor clone to hoon around in.
And while I’m on the Shelby kick, I’d pick up a Dodge Omni GLH, Dodge Charger, Daytona, and maybe a Shadow and Lancer with the Shelby treatment.
Finally, there would be the modern cars–the Ford GT, GT-500, and the new GT-350.
I’m also a current Porsche owner, but for me it’s Ferrari hands down. They’re the cars that got me into cars – specifically the 1984 288 GTO that was the first model car I ever built. That’s where my list starts, and it would include most of the evolution of the mid-engined non-12-cylinder family, from the 246GT Dino through the 488, including the GTO and the F40. I’d add in a few front-engine V12 cars for good measure, and some classics (though maybe not the ones you’d expect).
min-engine V6/V8
246 GT Dino
308 GTB w/ fiberglass body
308 GT4
328 GTS
348 TS
Mondial T Cabriolet
F355 F1
360 Spyder (manual)
F430
458 Stradale
488 GTB
V-12s
F50
599 GTO
F12
GTC4 Lusso
365 GTB4 Daytona
250 TR
275 GTS
Race cars
1971 Ferrari 512
1993-1994 333 SP
1989 640 F1 car – first F1 car with a semiautomatic gearbox
1990 641 F1 car, ex-Prost
2004 F2004 F1 car, ex-Schumacher
Nicely done. No Testarossa?
I knew I forgot something… I’d take a 512BBi and Testarossa!
I had a Testarossa for an entire afternoon. My friend was a part-owner of a high-end used car dealership. I asked him which car I could take out and he said anything but the race-prepped C5 and the Monster Miata… I returned it to my friend after one hour. It was low, obviously, but too low; it was hellaciously wide, even though my girlfriend and I were nearly touching shoulders; inside, it smelled like unburnt fuel enough to get a headache; people made amazingly dangerous driving maneuvers to get close enough to take a blurry picture with a waved iPhone; and the clutch nearly required both feet.
Perhaps it was a dog of a Ferrari but it was my first and probable last drive in one. ‘Never meet your heroes’, indeed.
That said I’d like a blast in a 360.
Vintage Pontiacs – my first car ever was a 1968 Firebird (a rustbucket of a car). I would love to have another – along with a 455 ’70 Firebird, a GTO Judge, a weirdo inline-6 Tempest, an original ’64 GTO, and even a massive Bonneville and Grand Prix.
Finally dividebytube……….a guy with some Detroit muscle love. Kudos. I have me my vintage Pontiac in the garage. See avatar.
Chevy would be good too….What’s not to love about old muscle era Corvette’s, Chevelle’s, Camaro’s, Impala’s?
And the author, Corey…….How could you collect Jag’s and not own an XKE?
Like I mentioned, it’s an abridged version of a collection. Everyone knows about the E-Type. Many don’t know the XKSS or the Mark X.
All these answers are wrong. Everyone needs to collect MOAR LINCOLNS…each and every Designer Series.
Valentinos from here to eternity.
That guy gets it.
Cartier!
Pucci > Valentino
Oh and Bill Blass would like a word.
Don’t forget Mark Cross Imperials.
Or maybe we should forget them…
Sajeev said Lincolns.
I want exactly one Lincoln, but I don’t think it was ever made in quite the combination I want.
’77-’78 Mark V, 460 engine, steel roof, moonroof, all interior goodies.
The problem is that most if not all cars with the steel roof were base cars without the rest of the options. To get it really right I’d have to buy two cars and combine them. That’s Sajeev-level Lincoln love and it’s beyond me.
Dal is a friend of the Brougham?
It won’t take much more now.
LS460 > Legend > Sterling 827 > Mark V
I estimate six more years before Lincoln.
I’ll need a new house first. A Mark V is about two feet too long for my garage. LS460 fits by little enough that LS460L wouldn’t fit.
Suburban Dal of the future will have plenty of space in the attached 4-car.
If I’m that rich, I’ve got a private area large enough for 4 cars + tool storage enclosed within the underground parking of my downtown full-floor penthouse condo.
There are just a few Brougham-mobiles that do it for me. Most of the rest, I hate. In particular, Brougham-ized Panthers should all be made into ingots.
The aforementioned Mark V. I also like its cousin the ’77-’79 Thunderbird.
The ’90-’92 Cadillac Brougham.
The H-body Park Avenue Ultra.
And of course the ultimate expression of proto-Brougham, the early ’60s Continental.
Friend of [some] Brougham, Conti Gen IV, and H?
Impressive. Most impressive.
I guess Maserati.
I’m easily satisfied: late ’80s Nissan hardtop sedans.
U11 Bluebird Maxima Legrand
U12 Bluebird SSS ATTESA
C33 Laurel
Y31 Cedric/Gloria Cima
And I’ll throw in a “maybe 12 were made” R10 Presea Blackstar with a 5-speed and SR20DE.
1967-69 Camaro. At least one must be a 250 Powerglide, too. One has to be a convertible and the other one a Rally Sport.
1970-72 Chevelle. Also, at least one with a 250 powerglide. All in two door hardtop, please. None in that ubiquitous light green that was so popular in those years. The 1972 model must be the “Heavy Chevy” option. The other nothing more than a 307 Powerglide.
I never said I want to go fast! I’m strictly a cruiser.
Only 1 brand? Dodge.
No, hear me out!
All the muscle car stuff:
Charger Daytonas
Hemi Challengers
Dart Swingers
All the modern SRT8/Hellcat stuff
An early and a late Viper
A v10 truck for poops and giggles
An early Power Wagon and a Ramcharger for offroad fun
A Fuselage Monaco for cruising
A Mural-equipped A100 or early B van for car shows
A GLH for autocrossing
THEN you can get into all the rebadged Mitsu stuff:
Starion/Conquest
3000GT/Stealth
Mighty Max/Ram50
Pajero/Raider
I’m not a Mopar guy by nature, but under the rules of the game here, this is the only answer.
I’d find Oldsmobile very appealing if I were sticking to a single American brand, but I would choose it knowing I’d never have access to any truck options beyond a TrailBlazer Bravada.
But there are many Olds vehicles from the ’60s and ’70s to soothe my brow. And some later Toronados and Touring trims as well.
And a Custom Cruiser.
Ninety Eight is fricking great.
Suckers to tha side. I know you hate my 98!
Feds,
You would need an Omni and a Polara to round out that collection.
I’ll do Toyota, why not.
1996 Supra Turbo
1996 MR2 Turbo
1993 Celica All-Trac
1988 MR2 Supercharged
1995 Previa All-Trac Supercharged
A Corolla with a 20 valve 4-AGE
Old Celicas, Supras, Land Cruisers.
Lexus LS and SC400.
2000GT.
“Lexus LS and SC400.”
You mean Toyota Celsior and Soarer.
Sure, if it has to be one “brand”, ha.
The marque that invented the modern sports car: MG
I’d start with a 1929 M-Type and throw in a J2, PA, a C-Type a Q-type and an R-Type (to race at Goodwood Revival), one of each of the T-Series, one of each of the A’s (1500, 1600, Twin-Cam, and Coupe), a bucket of B’s and C’s (chrome bumper, rubber bumper, BGT, etc), and finish it off with a 1995 RV8 for a daily driver. And drip pans. Lots and lots of drip pans.
Mention of MG made me think of this special Austin-Healey I saw, since you’re probably into those as well.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B38ULhHiIa2Ibnp6SWg5WjE0bWc
Agree with you on the 1970s goodness of the XJC, but I’d also want a Series 1 E-type and a new F-type in my Jag collection, in place of the bloated Mark X and the marketing disaster XJ220.
No need for anything to be “in place of” as it’s unlimited.
Tough call here. Do I go with a garage full of Mustangs with a Crown Vic LX Sport, a couple STs, an Explorer, and a Cosworth Sierra thrown in for laughs; or do I go with a phalanx of Datsun/Nissan Z’s, a couple 510s, and a Pathfinder?
Any old Escort RS trumps the 510. Capri trumps the Z (not really, but apart from the looks maybe? )
I’m a sucker for most every Z, but the 260; those Hitatchi carbs were awful. Yeah, I could throw Webbers on there in my fantasy garage, but I don’t want to deal with it.
Corey, no E-type?
Heresy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know there would be an E-Type in the garage somewhere, but everybody can have one and they’re pretty common.
Then you pick up some super-original early model.
But a Jag collection without an E-type is not a Jag collection.
Props on the XJ coupe, though…
One Brand? Unlimited Money?
Jaguar.
And I would practice until I could pronounce it like Sean Connery with a bit of scotch in him.
Jet Jag-aa-aaah!
Dodge so I could get a new Viper ACR, 1969 Charger and all sorts of Challengers from 1970 and 1971.
Plum with white convertible with an a833 pistol grip and a hemi.
Curious Yellow R/T with a big block.
Hemi Orange and Panther Pink T/A
White Vanashing point tribute car.
Sam Posey’s #77 for vintage racing.
What the heck, a copy of each generation Viper couple and roadster.
Does Mopar count and a brand? I could throw the ‘cuda in there too then!
I was also wondering if “Mopar” counts, because that would change/expand the contents of my dream garage significantly. If not, I would have to go with Chrysler. (Not too surprising, considering my handle.) I probably wouldn’t fit comfortably in most European sports cars anyhow, so why collect them?
My collection would include:
1953 Chrysler Special (bodies hand-made by Ghia)
1955 Falcon (concept)
1955 Chrysler 2-door wagon (R’Evolution by JF Kustoms)
1956 New Yorker (2-door hardtop, red/white/black 3-tone paint)
1958 300D with Bendix EFI (16 built, only known examples were converted to carbs)
1960 300F with Pont-a-Mousson 4-speed (4 known to exist)
1961 300G convertible
1963 Turbine (9 still exist, 2 in private ownership)
1966 every model and bodystyle combo (13+ cars)
1971 300 Hurst
1976 Cordoba (Ricardo Montalban’s own car, from the recently shuttered Chrysler museum)
2001-02 Prowler (rebadged as a Chrysler after Plymouth was shuttered)
2005 ASC Helios 300 (convertible)
2012-14 300 SRT8
No Imperials on the list simply because Imperial is not a Chrysler, it was a separate brand. Otherwise I’d have a few, including a ’61 convertible and a Ghia limo.
Good call on 1966 being the apogee of Chrysler style (i’ll accept 1965 which were nearly as nice).
I’d also throw in a ’76-’78 New Yorker Brougham (stylistic successor to the 65/66), a ’79-81 NY or 5th Ave, and a ’17 Pacifica Limited.
Toyota. Laugh if you must, but I’m specifically focusing on their 70s-90s Japanese market stuff, and that makes for quite a wild variety of different classes and types of automobiles. Globe trotting 4wds, luxo-cruisers, sports cars of various grades, etc.
How about Aston Martin? The Virage, Vantage, and Vanquish. Plus anything starting with DB. DB10 as daily driver. Spend the rest of my cash on plastic surgery to look like Daniel Craig and a custom liver capable of absorbing large quantities of straight vodka. Shake and enjoy.
Well, I don’t know about any of y’all, but if my budget is unlimited, I’m damn sure not limiting myself to one brand. How about a genre? Make mine Personal Luxury / Performance Coupes, both foreign and domestic.
1956 Lincoln Mark II
1960 Chrysler 300F
1962 Ford Thunderbird
1963 Buick Riviera
1964 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Convertible
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
1966 Buick Riviera
1967 Cadillac Eldorado
1969 Lincoln Mark III
Late 1960s Mercedes W111 coupe
1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
1972 Lincoln Mark IV
1973 Citroen SM
1975 Jaguar XJ12C (see pic above – it’d definitely make my list)
1980 Cadillac Eldorado
1981 Chrysler Imperial
Late-’80s Mercedes Benz W124 Coupe
1986 BMW M6
1988 Lincoln Mark VII LSC
2003 Bentley Continental R
2017 Cadillac ATS-V
I expect better of you.
Yeah. Choosing the ’71 GTC4 over the GTB4 is a rookie mistake.
@Corey
What specifically disappoints you?
@VoGo:
Yes, Daytonas are sex on wheels, but I wanted personal luxury coupes, not two-seaters.
Following the three rules!
Well, s*it, Corey, if I’m this rich I’m making my own rules!
But if I were choosing a marque? Benz…all the way. And a 450 SEL 6.9 would be right in the front of the garage.
Do you need a referee shirt and a whistle?
Ten yard penalty, replay first down.
He needs to be Three Laws Compliant. My logic is undeniable.
N*gga, check ya logic, Ol’ Dirty’s out the closet
Recognize I’m a fool and ya love me.
I got the government lost on Gilligan Island (N*gga Please!)
Mike,
Just messing with you. Enjoy the collection.
I actually have any number of these cars…in 1/18 diecast…
I covet this one…nummy nummy nummy.
http://static.carmodel.com/photos/81236.jpg?1
And the minute a ’66 Riv comes out in 1:18, I’m on the mofo. I don’t care if I have to donate blood plasma.
Wow I’m the third Dodge guy so far!! were beating ford ? how’d that happen?
My list
66 Charger
Charger 500
64 Cuda
WM300 power wagon.
58 conventional cab power wagon
Little Red Express
Warlock
A100 pickup
Spirit RT
Daytona IROC RT
Ramcharger (have an 88 would like to add a bigblock with removable top from the 70’s)
Early 80’s crew cab dually
90’s V10 reg cab ram
First and third gen vipers
Cummins Mega cab
Current Challenger
Charger Hellcat
Dakota R/T
Neon ACR
Caliber SRT4
89 Daytona with T-tops
Dodge L series commercial truck
Rampage
Raider
Power wagon town panel
Shelby CSX
Dakota convertible
Damn I could go all day with this.
My first instinct is Mercedes…. 500E, the old SLC coupes, the gullwing coupe, AMG GT, any newish AMG sedan. I have motorcycles to scratch my raw engagement itch and Mercedes has enough of a catalog to cover the gamut as long as you don’t need stickshift.
simple!
talbot-lago:
1938 talbot-lago t150 [coupé and cabriolet bodies]
1947 talbot-lago t26 gs coupé [franay body]
No one wants to say Ford?
I’m not really a one brand guy, but being a cheapskate I have mostly owned Fords, even if very few (3 out of about 20) of them have been my ‘dream’cars, and neither were economically restorable at the time.(although still driveable)
I have to admit, I would modify almost all of them though, and I would still hate to miss out on some classics from other manufacturers (things with Hemis and v-12’s and the tri-five chebbies)
Starting with some Hotrodded ’23-40 of all models
A bunch of Customised cars from 49-59
Some streetmachined 60’s Falcons and Fairlanes
All the Mustangs up to 71′ then a few odd ones after that, and some Fox body coupes too.
I love Stationwagons with fake wood, so I would need an assorted collection of those too.
And I would include Mercury and Lincoln, and not feel like I’ve cheated at all.
Chopped 49 Merc (obviously)
39 Lincoln Zephyr coupe (taildragger ) and all the Conti’-coupes up to ’74
And so many race cars, and Shelbys (totally not cheating at all).
And then a bunch of European cars, mostly my first car, but ithout rust, a 1968 Taunus 20M P7a 2 door sedan and a hardtop.
All the Capris
Sierra Xr4i (I have owned 2, but I still want them)
All the Cosworths
After they stopped making the Escort Cosworth they got kinda boring though.
PS; I feel kinda forced to choose ford, partly because of general diversity, I don’t want to own only supercars , and partly because when modified they beat everything. They may not have been the ‘coolest cars ever’ from the factory, but people have very often built the ‘coolest cars ever’ from old Fords.
“And I would include Mercury and Lincoln, and not feel like I’ve cheated at all.”
Okies, then I’ll say Chevrolet and include all GM brands. ;)
GM didn’t start out as a car maker which later tried to fill several niches, it started as an owner of car makers, who then bought more of them. Apart from a few models, over the years there has almost always been more similarity between a Ford and a Lincoln than between a Chevrolet and a Cadillac.
Maybe I could include Cadillac myself since Ford started that though?
Ahem.
Sorry, I didn’t notice your post until after I’d made mine, partially because it was really short and included Datsun/Nissan.
I’m weird, I like Fords and Datsun/Nissans, but I’ve been enjoying Hondas.
Ford’s Harley-Davidson F-Series Trucks
But, then you would miss out on such classic Cadillacs as the BLS, the Catera, the Allante, the Cimmaron and the ELR?
Pontiac. From 1955 to 2010.
Just skip the Parisienne…
Which one(s)? The Canadian models, the re-badge in the 1980’s or the actual potato dish?
Bugatti
All of the Type 57s, an EB100 and a functional Model 100.
4 cylinder fiberglass sports and racing cars.
Lotus, Elva, Porsche 904, Typhoons and various kit cars and all those crazy specials.
Mercedes-Benz. Without a second thought.
I want all of the following Mercedes:
280SE 3.5 Coupe (ideally Mechatronik-ized, but original is fine too)
300SEL 6.3
450SEL 6.9
560SEL
Hammer
Late W129 SL500
W212 E63 (with the 6.2)
No 500E love there?
500E is good; Hammer is better.
Does 500E even count as a Benz, given that they were made by Porsche?
Sure, I’d count the Acura SLX as an Acura model, though Isuzu made it.
I just want all the Mechatronik Mercedes.
http://www.mechatronik.de/en/trade/vehicles-on-offer/
Sweet Jeebus.
I need this W111 Coupe in my life.
http://www.mechatronik.de/en/trade/vehicles-on-offer/w-111-m-coupe-55/?fahrzeug-img=m-coupe_398_01.jpg
There is so much beauty on that page. I love that aqua and cream W180.
“Price: upon request”
For a site selling vehicles that cost 400K Euros, that means something.
I realized that was the only one I’d checked without a listed price. Scary.
I will fight you to the death for that one.
I’ll take that 600 Pullman with the cathouse red interior.
And then I’m renaming myself “Idi.”
dal is serious about his Mercedes.
Especially ones that are as f#cking gorgeous as that. Oh man. I loved the tan one, but I think the black one is even better. I think the best color, though, would be silvery blue with a white or light gray interior.
Ah crap, don’t post links like that. I already spend too much time on Bring a Trailer and now you show me a website with high quality photos of mint condition vehicles I’m never going to see in the wild?
That site is something glorious.
Not just mint…they did a kind of resto-mod on some of them.
1960’s Mercedes with modern AMG engines…that’s just beyond sexy.
Yeah, I’m drooling over that W113 roadster with the new AMG heart transplant.
I’d be more than happy with that basic 150hp tan W113 230SL. Those roadsters are gorgeous. Only 105K Euros!
So much heresy…
First Corey chooses Jaguar and doesn’t list an E-type, now dal is choosing Mercedes without the 300SL Gullwing? No 600 Pullman?
God help us all!
There’s a 6-door Pullman 600 on that German site, but I’m not sure I like it. I think it needs to stay at four doors.
Look at it this way, Corey…if you’re a third world potentate, you need as much room as you can get. The more doors, the merrier.
This one’s a four door stretch. Love the wh*rehouse red interior.
http://www.mechatronik.de/en/trade/vehicles-on-offer/w-100-600-pullman-en/?fahrzeug-img=w100_600_pullman_398_03.jpg
As long as I have three armed guards, that should be enough. I will not suffer the indignity of having a middle row of seats and compromised legroom! The rest of my security staff can ride in their own car.
The dash on the W180 is a thing of beauty. Single piece of wood.
Edit: Why’s the wheel camber at the back so messed up on that one?
Apparently they removed the trunk-mounted Vulcan cannon. Those babies are heavy.
“Apparently they removed the trunk-mounted Vulcan cannon. Those babies are heavy.”
Surplus M163 “fly swatter,” anyone?
But that would limit your car collection choices to the Food Machinery Corporation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FMC_Corporation
Since they got spun into United Defense and now BAE, that opens up a lot of possibilities…
I’ve never been into the “supercar” class of cars, so no Gullwing (or SLR or SLS) for me. 600 is tempting for the sheer engineering vanity but I think the same engine is better in the 300SEL 6.3.
I’m not into supercars either. Any racing game like GT or Forza, I end up not playing any more once it gets into the supercar and race car class races. Not fun for me.
Nash married Hudson and gave birth to AMC. And then AMC married Kaiser Jeep, and ultimately gave birth to AM General. This means I get all kinds of fantastic oddities and collectibles:
Wasp
Hornet
Rambler American and Classic
Ambassador
Matador
Marlin
Javalin
AMX
Pacer (with a Wankle, yo!)
Gremlin
Spirit (GT please)
Concord
AMC Eagle (the first Subaru Outback)
Military and Postal Jeeps
Jeep Wagoneer
Jeep CJ
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Comanche
You can keep the Renault era LeCar, Alliance and Encore. Thanks but no.
So let’s hear it for Kenosha, Mitt’s dad, and the little car company that survived by wits and grit for as long as it could. Come over to my garage and let’s go drive a few of the quirkiest cars ever made in the US, starting with a baby blue Pacer with flames painted on the fenders and Bohemian Rhapsody blaring from its radio: Mama, just killed a man…
And it comes full circle. What other car company can claim its CEO was assassinated?
“Nash married Hudson and gave birth to AMC. And then AMC married Kaiser Jeep, and ultimately gave birth to AM General.”
Actually, that’s a bit off.
AM General was Kaiser General Products, a structure and factory they purchased from Studebaker in 1964. Prior to that, Kaiser’s military trucks were run off the same assembly line as their civilian lines were.
But the South Bend plant was a good place to make their one-customer items…at the time the Kaiser M-715 buck-and-a-quarter, the Kaiser Dispatcher 100 mail jeep, and the M-151 new-age military jeep.
AMC took all of Kaiser Jeep’s properties – as Kaiser Industries was liquidating with the death of Henry Kaiser. They couldn’t well call the military arm KAISER General Products, so with maybe five minutes’ thought, they named it AMGeneral…American Motors General Products.
They further separated it from Jeep as the civilian Jeeps got updates the mail jeeps never did, such as the stretched frame; and as the M715 was phased out in favor of Dodge and then Chevrolet trucks. The next Big Thing was the HumVee, but by the time that finally got out, AMC was owned by French-Government-owned Renault and AMGeneral had to be sold to remain a defense contractor.
I was simply attempting to be brief so I could get to the gist of the article — the cars in my garage.
I’m picking Dodge/Chrysler because they have had quite a few good cars in the past.
Challenger
Viper
74 Monaco (Bluesmobile)
Charger
Omni GLH
etc..
However, I can also then collect all the PT cruisers in the world and destroy them in a massive demolition derby.
Ford
55 thunderbird
57 thunderbird
model T like on american grafitti
62 continental suicide doors
64 thunderbolt
65/66/67/68 fastback and convertible stang
67 ac cobra 427
65/66/67/68/69 shelby fastback
68 shelby convertible and fastback KR
69 boss 302
69 boss 429
69 428 scj fastback
70 boss 302
70 boss 429
70 king cobra
original ford gt, the early 2000’s like a 2005 ford gt, a brand new one 2017
2017 shelby gt350R
2014 shelby gt500 convertible and fastback
69 cougar eliminator 428 cj and boss 302
2012 boss 302
2016 cobra jet
2004 SVT cobra convertible
1995 thunderbird SC 5sp
2017 focus RS
2015 taurus SHO
2004 mercury marauder
68 cougar 7.0 (427)
many more, could go on for awhile here lol
> model T like on american grafitti
The last year for the Model-T was 1927. Milner’s coupe is a ’32.
…and of course a few of your picks are Mercuries, not Fords.
In my opinion, Mercuries were Fords. And so are most Lincolns.
Sure, I started out thinking “unlimited budget… Koenegs.. Man, I can’t spell that”. Wait, so many Ferrari’s… so many more Fords or Toyota’s… Umm, OK; serious history, lot’s of variety but some epic fast, some epic lux, some just weird for the interesting factor:
and found myself on Mercedes. I don’t really like Mercedes that much, but in these rules Mercedes rules.
Edit: they’ll all be rare, because I’ll have ALL THE MERCEDES. (that’s how unlimited works)
Jaguar obviously for me. I’d also include the Daimler variants after Jaguar bought them in 1960 as being the same brand.
My list would be:
1965-67 E Type Coupe
1992 Daimler Double Six
1956 XK140 coupe
1949 XK120
1965 Mark 2
1967 420
1997 Daimler Double Six
1996 Daimler Corsica – although it’s a concept car I’d still love one.
1994-6 XJS V12 convertible
2008ish XK coupe
2006 XJ Portfolio
1995 XJR
2014 XF 3.0D wagon
1991 Daimler DS420 limousine
The last photo isn’t an X308, it’s an X350. X358 was the facelift for 2009MY.
The X308’s are steel bodied, X350’s are aluminium.
Typo on my part. I was looking at a whole lot of XJ numbers yesterday afternoon.
Time for seppuku.
Ok, I’ll be weird…..
Rover P4
Rover P5
Rover P6 3500
Land Rover series I, II, III
original Range Rover 2-door
later Range Rover 4-door
Land Rover Discovery Series I & II
Rover SD1 3500
Rover 827 Sterling
Rover Mini (yes, some were so badged)
Rover 75 Connoisseur V6 manual
Rover 75 RWD with Mustang V8
BMW
1939 327/28
1939 328
1959 507
1959 503
1959 Isetta 300
1960 700 Cabriolet
1972 2002tii
1972 3.0 CSI
1981 M1
1990 Z1
1992 850CSI
hottest version of every generation m3, m5, m6
Z3m Z4m coupes
X5M
i8
i3
R-69S
R-90S
R-1200S
McLaren F1
Rolls Royce Dawn
Mini Cooper S JCW
Gotta have a ’62-’65 3200 CS hardtop coupe. First of the new-look BMWs, and a gorgeous car.
No 2001 740i Sport or 2002 M5?
If I were limited to one brand – Citroen!
1983 CX 2400 Pallas
1979 GS 1220 Pallas
1980 Dyane 6
1982 2CV6
1986 BX 16 TRS
1981 Visa
2016 C4 (for practical everyday use)
It costs money to have the suspension spheres topped up with LHM fluid in these cars :-)
’66 Charger
’69 Charger
’70 Daytona
’72 Charger
’84 Shelby Charger (non turbo)
Since I can only have one brand. As you mentioned it would be more fun to have something across brands which would make for a good list for me.
In the garage presently –
’99 Town Car Cartier
’04 Thunderbird
’05 Grand Marquis LS
’07 Mark LT
’09 XF Supercharged
I want want want want want a Falcon XR8. :(
So you decided to not read the article?
Lamborghini or Aston Martin.
I’d have a Gallardo as a driver, but otherwise nothing from or after the Chrysler days.
LP400
GT350 or 400
Islero
Urraco
Miura
LM002
Various DB4/5/6/Zagato examples
Virage
DBV8
Vantage
Does the Lagonda sedan from the 70s and 80s count?
Corey, I’m assuming our daily driver has to be one of these vehicles?
Nope.
C’mon, drive the XJ coupe back and forth to work…I double dog dare ya!
My commute is 3.3 miles. I can make it!
The biggest problem with the coupes was initial build quality was poor, the components themselves were not bad. By now any bugs should be worked out, but you’d be getting into age related deterioration if things like rubber components have not been replaced.
A 3.3 mile commute would be hard on a V12, it would never get hot. a 30 mile commute would make it happier.
Yeah, I have that problem in cold weather even with V8 engines.
Oh well that makes this a lot more complicated…I’ll have to think about this but I’m leaning towards Ferrari right now.
“I’m leaning towards Ferrari right now.”
Aren’t your the same tjh8402 who was just lambasting the stupidity of buying expensive and unnecessary Expeditions?
Uh oh! Someone’s paying attention on their vacation days.
Yeah, I save attentiveness for when I’m not at work.
I am. However, this hypothetical included a key element that made me say Ferraris – “unlimited funds”. My comments on the Expedition were assuming real money was being spent. I also said the Expedition was overpriced and that most buyers didn’t make use of its capabilities, but not that it was a pointless vehicle that was useless. Clearly, for the small number of people who make use of its capabilities (regularly hauling 7 people and all their stuff while towing a heavy trailer), it makes good sense and is worth the expense. If I had a Ferrari collection, I would not just drive them to the local starbucks and back.
Ford – several Mustangs, a few super cars and gaggle of other models.