GO ON – EXPLAIN YOURSELF, THEN…

I’ve always hankered after an E31. Klaus Kapitza’s uberwedge is one of the most striking visions of the Nineties and the car’s relative lack of success only makes it more interesting. Plus, fast, comfy, and excessive. I’m in, but I’ll spend more on it in the first year than I will buying it. P.S. BMW just built its last V12.

I had the pleasure on working on the Return of the Saint XJ-S when I was first at PC, and have since been smitten by the svelte lines and throbbing great V12. A worthy successor to the E-type at a fraction of the price, the XJ-S combines good looks with comfort and engineering excellence in one ultimate GT.

So much class, subtle style and pin-sharp engineering in one glorious machine. This is a one special Mercedes. The 1989 SL still looked fresh when Merc replaced it in ’01 with something fatter and less cool. My mate Martin owns one of these SLS, as well as three Austin Maxis. Men don’t get cooler than that, frankly.

The 400 wasn’t the prettiest Ferrari, nor the sportiest, given its whispering sidedraught carburettors or fuel injection. However, see it in isolation as an elegant, exclusive way of getting around and it’s rather wonderful. There’s more room in the back than an XJ-S so the whole family can enjoy it, too. Still the cheapest V12 Ferrari.

Hit the red starter button on and the V12 erupts into life. The sound of that engine is ever-present – a melodic purr when the DB7 is ambling that becomes a full-throated snarl as you squeeze on more throttle and the rev-counter needle races past 6000rpm. The chassis is well balanced, too, so there’s a lot to like here.