STEVE RICHARDSON’S TOP TEN

Jensen Interceptor Series IV

‘A car I always wanted to own during the Seventies. The big glass rear window and the luxury interior, combined with the big V8 of an American car – who wouldn’t be impressed? When I could afford one they were all down at heel and full of problems. Now they’re being looked after and are too much money.’

Jaguar XJ12 Coupé

‘I used to pass a red one on my way to work. It always looked like it was going fast even though it was standing still. I almost bought an Avon convertible some years ago but they are rare and the two I looked at were just waiting for somebody to buy them before they fell apart.’

Mercedes-benz 600

‘All that power and luxury in a saloon. I liked the way it had everything better than a Rolls-royce even though I have ended up buying one Rolls and two Bentleys and belong to the club. Dictators loved them.’

Citroën DS21 Décapotable

‘I always wanted a DS in period but was worried about the suspension, though having that ability to raise and lower the suspension and drive with one tyre deflated always attracted me. Having one that was convertible would be the icing on the cake – I’d just need the sun and the south of France.’

’63 Ford Thunderbird

‘Although I was too young when this was current it was my favourite Corgi toy.’

Amphicar

‘Who wouldn’t want to try a car that you can take to the water in?’

Ferrari 250GTE

‘Probably the car I would want to buy if I won enough on the Lottery. A superb tourer and not an out-and-out sports car.’

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

‘Always my favourite Aston. Another car I wanted to own in period. It has to be the coupé, it looks better than the convertible. British design at its best.’

Mercedes-benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’

‘It’s the Gullwing doors and the look. Not sure it’s easy to get in and out of, but the engineering was Germany at its best.’

Dodge Charger

‘I always liked the Charger in Bullitt

more than Steve Mcqueen’s Mustang. More sinister and the best of the muscle cars.’