WE ARE THE MODS

Is the rise of the modern classic such a bad thing? Looking down the list of Brightwells’ suitablymonikered forthcoming sale, I’d say not. By allowing in cars from the 1980s and 1990s, there’s the opportunity to bag some truly great driving machines – not necessarily the fastest, but for those who like their driving, often the most involving.

Let’s not forget the 1980s was the best period for hot hatchbacks, where roadholding and grip, as well as sorted steering and gearboxes created a whole new segment of cars, and which sadly softened in the 1990s in the name of refinement. That driver involvement filtered down to the lesser models too, so you don’t need a GTI badge to have fun.

‘They’re value par excellence’

These 1980s/early 1990s hatchbacks can still be value par excellence. Forget the hype surrounding certain Ford models because there’s a lot of choice – Anglia Car Auctions’ Peugeot 306 Rallye made £3800 back in April and H&H’s fine 309 GTI, £4500.

I know that some purists remain somewhat unwelcoming of these later cars, but they do offer great value for money, combining usability and reliability with great driving fun. And for those reasons alone, I’d definitely be in.