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The market in classic cars is booming like never before. Paul Hardiman, a former deputy editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine and one of the sector's most experienced journalists, picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Classic Cars.
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Best Italian (Ferrari 246 Dino) |
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 An icon. The ‘baby Ferrari’ melted its way into the hearts of collectors and discerning owners right from its launch in 1969. Keith Moon had one. Tony Curtis drove one in The Persuaders. Prices are on the rise and it remains one of the most desirable of all Ferraris - but it was never intended to carry the famous badge. |
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| Sure, there are far more expensive Ferraris (if one of the 39 250GTOs, made in 1963-’64, should come to market – and you probably won’t know about it – it will change hands for upwards of £5 million) and cheaper ones too. See the wedgier, 1976-on 308GTB as a usable car with similar appeal to the Dino, from around £20,000. But none encapsulates the perfect looks, balanced handling and that marvellous tearing-calico V6 out back quite like the 246GT. Owning one is a boys' dream come true. And if you look after it properly you'll have an investment with a serious chance of appreciating in value. Get the coupe – which has that fantastic curved rear double-window within the flying buttresses – rather than the uncomfortable-looking GTS with removable roof panel (and no, you can’t call that one a Targa: Porsche owns the name). You’ll never tire of snick-clacking around that famous open gear-gate either. |
Exquisite Styling |
 Capping the Dino’s appeal is its exquisite styling by Pininfarina; it’s one of the cars that stylist Sergio Farina is most proud of, representing a departure into mid-engined road cars for Ferrari. Intended as a separate marque to honour founder Enzo’s son Alfredino who died young, Dinos never wore the Ferrari name or cavallino rampante badge from the factory. If it’s got the script on the tail, it’s an add-on, but nobody seems to mind, for the Dino represents all that was great about Maranello. |
Expert View |
 Nick Cartwright has specialised in Dinos for two decades and his Peak District-based company has bought, sold and restored many of the 246s in the UK, some several times over. He says: “Budget £850-1500 a year to look after a good car – a 12,000-mile service includes checking the timing chains and setting the valve clearances.”
The downsides? A rough one costs an awful lot to put right, and, though cars are available from £45,000 upwards, Cartwright advises setting your sights a bit higher: “We reckon £70,000 is the entry level for a good car – though we’ve got a 5000-miler in at the moment at £110,000. We’ve had two offers but we’re thinking of putting it up…”
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Pros - It's beautiful - and it's a Ferrari; It says more about you than cash ever can; Likely to increase in value
Cons - Buying at the "cheaper" end of the market could turn out to be an expensive mistake |
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Typical Prices - £45,000+
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