Gear -- 8 days ago
Similar to a wristwatch, a man’s car can say a lot about him. Hinting at traits as well as signalling his level of taste, a gentleman’s automobile is essentially an extension of his personal image. With that in mind, here is The Gentleman’s Journal ultimate gentleman’s garage. Note: most of these are classic cars because, well, classics are just better.
MERCEDES 300SL ‘GULLWING’
An icon of automotive history, the ‘Gullwing’ is a true beauty. First introduced in 1954, it was based on the race car of the same name, yet its stunning looks are what really cemented its place amongst the greats.
‘Clearly it’s not a daily driver, but we can think of few better machines to arrive in for an evening soiree or two’.
FERRARI 250 GT LUSSO
The 250GT Lusso is the old world equivalent to a modern GT car such as an Aston Martin DB9 or Bentley Continental. It packs a real punch with its 3.0-litre V12 yet it’s also a sophisticated, comfortable cruiser. There are few cars ever built to match it in the style stakes, either.
‘Perhaps the perfect car for a weekend break – we can imagine whiling away the hours cruising along the Italian riviera in the Lusso’.
PORSCHE 356 SPEEDSTER
Perhaps the most stylish car of all though is the Porsche 356 Speedster. As curvaceous as Beyonce and with looks to match, this car will transform you from average Joe to Paul Newman in a second.
‘For a road trip across the United States of America, we can think of no better car’.
ASTON MARTIN DB5
Experiencing an Aston Martin DB5 in the metal is enough to make any petrolhead weak at the knees. Its distinctive grille, chrome finishing and smooth body panels are instantly recognisable, in part thanks to James Bond. We don’t doubt that it would have gone down as an icon regardless of its on-screen credentials though.
‘If it’s good enough for Bond it’s good enough for us. The Aston Martin DB5 is perhaps our favourite car – we’d drive it everyday if we could’.
JAGUAR E-TYPE
This is the car that Mr Enzo Ferrari dubbed ‘the most beautiful car ever made’. It’s also the machine that put Jaguar firmly on the map as makers of elite sports cars. Our garage just wouldn’t be complete without one.
‘If we had the choice we’d go for a hardtop, but the convertible is just as charming and allows you to experience the roaring V12 in full harmony’.
PORSCHE 911 BY SINGER
Despite its looks, this is one of the newer cars on our list. Based in California, Singer re-build classic Porsche 911s and update them with all-new parts and interiors, giving you all the style of a classic 911 with the modern-day reliability of a new one.
‘This is the machine we’d use every-day. With heating, power steering, comfortable leather seats and a potent flat-six engine, this is all the car you’ll ever need’.
BMW 507
Classic roadsters seem to be a recurring theme on this list. Maybe it’s their ability to combine capable performance with subtle elegance and panache. We’re certainly a sucker for the 507’s good looks though.
‘A rare car indeed, the 507 would definitely spend more time in our garage than on the road. If ever we were feeling down we could just go and stare at its round eyes and caress its buxom haunches – all would be better’.
AUDI RS6
The Audi RS6 is a force of nature. Powered by a twin-turbo, 553bhp V8 and with power going to all four wheels, it’s perhaps the ultimate all-weather performance car.
‘Ideal for the school run, the spacious yet track-ready RS6 boasts understated styling – perfect if you want to blend in, and you can escape in a hurry too.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Whilst the Defender is far from refined, its dominating road presence and unrivalled ability off-road means it always has a place in our garage.
‘The Defender is the ultimate off-roader, meaning we’d use it on our many country pursuits’.
ORIGINAL MINI
Unveiled in 1959, the original Mini was perhaps the most iconic car ever. It started the craze for small, cheap city cars and was highly successful in competition too, with the Cooper S winning the Monte Carlo Rally four times from 1964 to 1967.
‘The mini would be our A to B car, ideal for completing chores and popping to the shops’.
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