46 MODERNCLASSICS
CLEVER
BUYS
MONEY
Lamportwasn’taloneinfindingthe
Mercedesthemostappealing.‘IfI
wereto buyanyof those,it would
almostcertainlybe theMercedes-
Benz,’saysDunne.Don’tjustblindly
signonthedottedline,though–get
behindthewheelandtryone.What’s
recommendedby someonemight
bea finecarbutwe allhaveour
personalpreferences.
Daniels,forexample,ratesthe2.6
manualas beingjustas quick;it
doesn’thavethecachet,butif you’re
just lookingforsomethingto enjoy
that’sa littlelessfinickitythenit
couldprovea moreappropriatechoice.
Ultimately,though,what’s best for
youdependsonhowyou like to drive,
howoftenyouliketo drive and where
youliketo drive.‘I think the reality is
togetsomethingthatyou can enjoy
andbe ableto use,andexpect that
you’llhavea certainmaintenance bill
everyyear,’saysDunne.‘With these,
andthat’swhatI do love with CCA, is
thatwe selllotsof thesecars and you
knowthey’renotgoingto be worth
halftheirvalueor worse in a couple of
years;inmostcasesthey’ll hold their
valueandpossiblygo for more. As long
asyou’reenjoyingit while you’re using
it,that’sthesecret.’
This eclectic mix of cars offers much
to choose from but, out of all here,
there was one in particular that often
elicited the most interest.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the one that
combines a myriad of desirable traits
- ranging from rarity, collectability
and appreciating nature through to its
fine genealogy, sharp-edged styling
and extensive aftermarket support.
‘It’s a great car with huge historical
importance,’ says Lamport. ‘It’s got
two words collectors love: Mercedes
and Cosworth. What's not to like? For
investment, the 190E; they’re too
cheap and thin on the ground.’
Each of the cars here looks set to stand you in good stead – but
which is the one that you should make a beeline for?
THE MODERN CLASSICS VIEW
'IN MOST CASES THEY’LL HOLD THEIR VALUE
AND POSSIBLY GO FOR MORE'
