Which would you prefer? A 1952 Aston Martin DB2 or a 1965 Ford Mustang? Stand out from the crowd with these head-turning collector cars.
Article by Giles Brown
Marbella may seem to be all about super yachts, the occasional passing supermodel and above all, mind-bendingly fast supercars, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd a little retro road trip in a classic car is just the thing. BRIGHT’s manic motoring correspondent, Giles Brown, picks out some petrol head pleasure mobiles currently for sale in Spain.
You can find most of these cars, and more, on the James Edition.
1957 Jaguar XK 140
Astons aside, nothing symbolises the Great British sports car more than Jaguar. In its 50s heyday, the Coventry based car manufacturer flew the flag for England in sports car racing. Their legendary C and D-Types both won the world famous Le Mans 24 Hour race, beating off stiff competition from Ferrari and Mercedes.
That success on track was matched on the road. Following on from the hugely successful XK 120 the X140 especially appealed to the American market, who loved the roadster’s looks, power and endurance. A badge on the back proudly proclaims ‘Le Mans Winner’, and you are bound to feel something of a champion yourself.
Look at spending around €90,000 for this particular car, imported from the States.
Available from De Blaye Exotic’s, c/ Freixa nº 3, 08021 Barcelona
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
What Jaguar were doing for British sports cars in the 50s, Mercedes were doing the same for Germany’s. Withdrawing from motorsport in 1955 after the Le Mans Disaster that saw over 80 spectators killed when one of their cars flew into the crowd, Mercedes concentrated on making the most sublimely stylish sports cars. This 190 SL is no exception, and allows you to imagine yourself cruising Puerto Banús as a modern day Cary Grant, perhaps with a Grace Kelly look alike in the passenger seat. After a complete restoration, this particular car has done a mere 50 kilometres!
Priced at €150,000 and available at Cunild & Co, Puerto Banús
1952 Aston Martin DB2
Mention Aston Martin to most people and they will immediately think of the iconic ‘James Bond’ DB5. Earlier models designed by the genius that was David Brown – hence the ‘DB’ – are just as important if not as well known. The DB2 is one of those. Like Jaguar and Mercedes, Aston Martin showcased their sports cars at Le Mans, enjoying class wins in 1950. This particular car comes with racing seats, as well as the seats for road use (a long drive with the former fitted is not exactly comfortable). Completely restored with a gorgeous dashboard featuring the original (and large) Smiths instrumentation, this Aston Martin marks the beginning of a distinguished heritage that would include the DB5.
Priced at €397, 990 from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible
The Ford Mustang has to be one of the best known cars to come out of the motoring mecca that was the States in the 50s and 60s. As well as looking and sounding great – the V8 engine under the bonnet ensures that sound – the Mustang was cool.
Very cool.
So cool, in fact, that there was only ever going to be one car that the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, would power around the streets of San Francisco in the classic film Bullet, a movie that also includes one of the greatest car chases ever committed to celluloid.
While we are not saying this particular car will give you the instant sex appeal of Steve McQueen, we have to admit, it’s a pretty good start!
Priced at €54,900 from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1998 Ferrari F355 Spider F1
You didn’t really think that we would have a list of classic cars and omit Ferrari, did you? Without doubt the most evocative name in motoring history, Ferrari has a sports car heritage like no other. A heritage that is as thoroughbred as the famous Prancing Horse badge on each car – which, by the way, Enzo Ferrari borrowed from an Italian WWI flying ace.
This Ferrari F355 Spider F1 is a superb example of Ferrari at the height of their powers in the late 90s, when a certain Michael Schumacher was winning World Championships for the Prancing Horse seemingly at will. Merely starting the car gives you a visceral thrill – as I found out when I took the hard top version of this model out for couple of fast laps at a wet Thruxton racing circuit, with an understandably anxious owner in the passenger seat!
Priced at €74,900 from from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1967 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 II Series
Easily the most beautiful car on this illustrious list, the Ferrari 330 GT marks the high water mark of 60s Italian styling. It is the kind of car that would effortlessly whisk Marcello Mastroianni along the autostrada from Milan to Rome just in time for dinner with Sofia Loren.
One of only 474, this completely restored car features a stunning black leather interior as well as wood veneer, including its original Motorola radio and classically simple steering wheel.
Effortlessly stylish and an undisputed Italian classic
€449,900 from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1969 Porsche 911 E Targa
Another icon from the late 60s, the Porsche 911 is one of the most distinctive designs in motoring. This small and perfectly formed Porsche is perfect for Marbella motoring, with original Polo Red paint that will sparkle in the sunshine, as well as a detactable ‘targa’ roof panel. The name “Targa” – shield in Italian – comes from the fearsome Targa Florio race that was held in Sicily. Just how fearsome the race, which Porsche won 11 times, was, is reflected in the fact that one lap was just under 149 km! My father came 14th in the race the year that this Porsche was produced and still shakes his head at the memories!
Priced at €99,500 from Moveo Classics, Madrid
1992 Porsche 964
A brutal beauty is perhaps the best description of this early 90s supercar.
Even when it is stationary in its showroom, the Porsche 964 has the look of a car that is straining to slip its bonds and traumatise a couple of hundred miles of unsuspecting tarmac.
That is no idle threat, as a potently powerful turbo and 17’’ inch wheels, along with a manual gearbox, result in an incredibly intense and immersive driving experience.
This Porsche also comes with a Blaupunkt stereo system, but to be honest, when this car gets going, you will be listening to pure motoring nirvana!
€209,900 from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1970 Ferrari 246 Dino GT
Hit TV series, “The Persuaders’, starred Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, but the other stars were the cars they drove, which in Curtis’ case was a Dino. Named after Enzo’s Ferrari’s only son, who died tragically young, the Dino is the only Ferrari that looks better in yellow. If I had to pick one car out of this list, the Dino would be my choice, and I might even don some vintage 60s clothing, including medallion a la Curtis, to complete the experience!
€499,900 from Magna Supercars, Marbella
1980 MGB LE
The quintessential British roadster, MG’s were all about fun and fast motoring, and I defy anyone to come back from an early morning blast along the county lanes in a MG without a huge grin on their face! This 1980 model was especially built for the US market and one of the last to leave the UK factory. Proof that classic motoring doesn’t have to break the bank.
Priced at €22,000, direct from owner in Marbella.
Call (+34) 630 39 18 13 for more information.
