Do it yourself
When a British Maserati enthusiast missed out on securing one of the four Touring-built Bellagio Fastbacks at auction in 2013, he didn’t sit around sulking. Instead, he vowed to build his own estate version of the latest Maserati Quattroporte. He found a bodywork ‘magician’ to carry out the conversion on a donor, diesel-powered 2015 model, and around 1,500 man hours later, this is the result – the ‘Cinqueporte’. To us, the revised rear end has an air of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake about it and in no way is that a bad thing. We’d love to know the asking price.
Longtail
In short, the McLaren 600LT is a 570S with more power, less weight, a longer tail, and an extreme carbon-fibre aerodynamics package, all of which culminates in the fastest and most track-biased Sports Series McLaren yet. This delivery-mileage Fistral Blue 600LT that’s currently for sale in Miami is specified to the nines, boasting the desirable Clubsport Pro Pack. If you’re hunting for a circuit weapon for the forthcoming track day season, look no further.
The Swiss Sierra
In the rarefied world of classic cars, there are certain marques that are so elusive that many enthusiasts aren’t even aware of their existence. Monteverdi is one of those marques. Switzerland might not be considered an automotive nation today, but in the 1970s, some of the most innovative sports and luxury cars were produced by the Basel-based manufacturer. This 1978 Sierra Cabriolet is probably not one of them, but because only two were built, it is desperately rare. Don’t let the pretty Fiat-esque styling fool you – beneath the bodywork is a lethargic Dodge Diplomat. We want one… badly.
Citroën Méhari, reporting for beach duty
Okay, so it’s clearly in need of a little tender loving care, but this 1979 Citroën Méhari 4X4 will surely make you the envy of the beach this coming summer, whether you’re traversing the dunes of St Tropez or San Diego. What’s more, Citroën celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and there’s bound to be a raft of occasions to mark the occasion. There are certainly less-interesting cars with which you could join the centenary celebrations.
Summer loving’
If you lack both the time and energy to give the Méhari a refresh, you might prefer a summer car that’s already been restored to the nth degree and is ‘on the button’ and ready to head to the coast. This 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE is one such car. Its original Pastel Blue paintwork screams summer and its uprated carburettors and C-type cylinder head should ensure the drive to the beach is as scintillating as the sun is scorching. It also wouldn’t take too much work to make it Mille Miglia ready – all you’d have to do is find a partner you could ensure for 1,000 spirited miles across Italy.
Photos: Speedart Motorsports, Autostorico Ltd, Leclere Motorcars, Woodham Mortimer, Galantica Collection
