Everybody deserves to indulge in a touch of escapism in their lives. In uncertain times it’s not unusual to look back with rose-tinted glasses to a simpler and often more glamorous period. Or perhaps we just crave a brief intermission to the monotony of the modern day-to-day treadmill. If the thought of cosseting an alter ego excites, then classic car purchase could be your gateway drug. But Tim Price asks – how do you see yourself? One of these perhaps…
1. Does your look shout ‘Style Icon’?
Some styles are timeless. It’s time to turn heads again and what worked for Elizabeth Taylor in the ‘60s on Sunset Boulevard will still look sensational on you today, whether on King’s Road, Chelsea or Queens Road, Weybridge.
Darling, meet your 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL – the automotive equivalent of a perfectly cut little black dress.
Restored by DD Classics to an exceptional standard, this beauty pairs a mirror-black exterior with sumptuous red leather, because subtlety was never really the sixties’ strong suit. Think Riviera sunshine, silk scarves, oversized sunglasses and absolutely no intention of arriving unnoticed. Beneath those elegant curves lies a comprehensive, no-expense-spared restoration: rebuilt brakes and suspension, refreshed engine, new carburettors and fuel tank, plus every detail lovingly restored or replaced. In short, she looks fabulous and drives beautifully.
A rare combination of glamour, authenticity and effortless Mercedes-Benz style, this 190SL is ready to whisk its next owner straight back to the swinging sixties.
Price £144,950.
From DD Classics, Richmond.
How to accessorise the look:
Moroccan Dreams scarf from Kathy Kyle Studio, Dorking, Surrey. 100% silk, hand-painted in the UK. £195.
www.kathykyle.com
2. Is ‘Old School Gangster’ the look?
Yes they may have been murderous and perhaps psychotic, but if you hold a secret respect for the way wrong ‘uns such as The Krays dressed and travelled, then this is for you…
1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser. In blue-black, with tobacco leather, burr walnut and a 6.3-litre V8, this isn’t the sort of car you ask questions about. Hand-built, whisper-quiet and hydraulically over-equipped, it has all the discreet menace required for conducting business after dark. The curtains keep prying eyes out, the V8 gets you home, and the sheer presence suggests the bill has already been settled. No names, no fuss.
Price on application.
From DD Classics, Richmond.
How to accessorise the look:
The Marshall – blue & burgundy plaid overcoat. Price from £1000. From soho-based tailor
www.markpowellbespoke.co.uk
3. Is your ‘Hippy Free Spirit’ calling?
Is it time to reconnect with the inner free spirit that’s been lurking inside you all these years? Perhaps you fancy escaping the grey drudgery of corporate life but without going as far as joining a commune?
This gorgeous 1962 Split-Screen VW Camper is your ticket to the open road, complete with dreamy pastel paint, a beautifully crafted camper interior, rock ’n’ roll bed and a punchy 1600cc engine. She’s been lovingly restored, cosseted in a garage and is now itching to misbehave.
Throw in a guitar, a Woodstock or perhaps Joni Mitchell playlist and a sense of adventure because peace, love and that famously friendly VW community await.
Price: £49,995.
From UK Sports Cars in Canterbury, Kent.
How to accessorise the look:
The Firewire Groove surfboard
Approx £800
www.boardshop.co.uk
4. Is ‘Countryside Landed Gentry’ your thing?
Photo: Shutterstock
You may, or may not have the sprawling estate and country pile to go with it, but playing the part, looking the part and fitting in is largely down to your choice of wheels. Anything shiny, new and comfortable is plain boorish and inauthentic.
Instead go for a distinguished 1962 Land Rover Series IIA like this. Finished in wonderfully weathered marine blue – quite appropriately for a vehicle accustomed to the rigours of a proper country estate.
Anything shiny, new and comfortable is plain boorish and inauthentic
Galvanised chassis, 84,000 miles and a splendid 2.25 petrol engine. Six seats, canvas tilt and all the requisite refinements for inspecting the grounds, attending pheasant shoots, or disappearing along the river for an afternoon of trout fishing.
Price: £15,995.
From Walton Motors in Cranleigh, Surrey.
How to accessorise the look:
A bespoke Purdey – the fine English gun maker that has been crafting guns for royal family for generations www.purdey.com. Photo: www.purdey.com
5. See yourself as ‘Mr. Bond’?
Of course the popular image of the Bond vehicle is the famous Aston Martin DB5. But in Fleming’s original book Casino Royale agent 007’s car of choice was a Bentley.
Pictured above is a Bentley 4½ Litre Blower – ideal for a man who prefers his machinery powerful, his company interesting, and his exits rapid. British racing green, naturally, with the legendary supercharged engine, correct ‘D’ type gearbox and Birkin-style instruments. Extensively strengthened by VBE Restorations, it combines competition-bred ferocity with rather reassuring mechanical integrity.
An exceptional Bentley, equally suited to Le Mans, the Riviera, or leaving a disagreeable gentleman several miles behind.
Price on application.
From DD Classics, Richmond.
How to accessorise the look:
Dunhill leather driving gloves in supple yet strong
hairsheep leather. Price: £400
www.dunhill.com
6. Or does an 1980s ‘Yuppie’ lifestyle appeal?
For those who look back with fondness to the mad excesses and get-rich opportunities of the Thatcher era this is the vehicle that will transport your spirit back there, and rapidly!
Photo: www.tomhartley.com
Photo: www.tomhartley.com
Tom Hartley of Knightsbridge presents a wonderfully rare opportunity to own one of just 23 UK-supplied Porsche 930 Turbo Targa – the ultimate 1980s yuppie statement, ideally suited to those who remember when the answer to “What do you drive?” was almost as important as “How much did you make?”
Delivered new by Merlin Porsche Cumbria on 1st August 1989, this stunning example is finished in black with linen leather, black carpets and the all-important G50 5-speed gearbox. Factory options include heated seats, limited-slip differential, sport seats, Blaupunkt Toronto cassette, amplifier system, recoil bumpers and tinted windscreen. Beautifully presented both mechanically and cosmetically, with an impressive history file, MOT records and Porsche certificate of authenticity. Big hair optional. Power dressing encouraged.
Price £169,950.
From Tom Hartley, Swadlincote (also with a Knightsbridge office) www.tomhartley.com
How to accessorise the look:
A period time-piece – 1986 vintage Rolex Datejust ‘Lapis Dial’ from Maunder Watches, Burlington Arcade, Mayfair. Price: £22,500 www.maunderwatches.co.uk
This article appears in the autumn edition of Premier Magazine
