ASK QUENTIN
Which classy coupé?
My means don’t run to a Mercedes 280SE 3.5 Coupé but I’ve been drawn to the two-door R-R Corniche as a classy alternative. What generation would be best (I’ve initially looked at the 5000 series cars) and how much would get a good one?
David Geary
When it comes to the hard-top Corniche I’d think about a pre-’71 Mulliner Park Ward version. They’re rare, really classy and much simpler to maintain than the later 5000 series cars. Rolls rebadged the MPW as a Corniche but the earlier cars were just as opulent and exclusive. I reckon £35k should buy you a nice one. Quentin Willson Restore to sell? When I relocated to Stockholm I put into storage my beloved Bahama Gold three-door 1979 Range Rover with 105k miles. It was Mot’d, original and fairly tidy but it’s now been three years so I imagine it’ll need some work. Would you sell as-is; do enough recommissioning for an MOT and sell then; or do a larger renovation prior to selling?
Umberto Garabello
While your car has been in storage you’ll be glad to know prices have been gently rising. You should definitely refresh and recommission although I wouldn’t restore. Most buyers prefer their Rangies original. You could be looking at £15k. Especially in that lovely launch-year colour. Quentin Willson
Keep my rare cabriolet?
I have a 1997 Rover 216 SE Cabriolet automatic in the garage, family-owned since early 1998. It has covered 32,700 miles and is completely original. According to howmanyleft.co.uk, this is the only one of this model left in the UK. It’s also in an unusual purple colour, with a pile of documents, tax discs etc. We’re considering moving – should I sell it, or look for a house with an extra garage?
Ian Russell
Rover 200 Cabrios are a rare sight and yours sounds lovely with such a low mileage and supporting documents. I don’t think it’ll appreciate much in the long term though and now might be a good time to sell in a rising market. Valeted and properly presented by one of the specialist auction houses, I’d expect around £6k-£7k. Quentin Willson