Do YOU Have One Car That You MUST Own Before You Kick It? WHAT Is It And WHY?

Do YOU Have One Car That You MUST Own Before You Kick It? WHAT Is It And WHY?
As an automotive enthusiast, there's a whole bunch of cars I just simply adore. They range from large sport-utility vehicles, to pick up trucks, to hot hatches to large luxury sedans to stripped out racers and everything else in between.

But then I have a couple that I can't quite explain. Ever since I set eyes on them, I just loved them to pieces.

I've already talked about the 2002 Jaguar XJR 100. This is, strangely, along those same lines but a bit more high end.

That's because I have a crush on the late 2000s Bentley Brooklands coupe. Based on the then second-gen Azure, which was based on the aging Arnage, it is a "proper" Bentley. In other words, it wasn't a Volkswagen chassis. Although you can see some evidence of Continental GT part sharing in the Brooklands, it is largely considered one of the last real Bentley vehicles. To me, it's sensationally gorgeous and decadent.

Having said all of that, I am curious: Is there ONE or two vehicles that you MUST own before you check out? What is it and why?



Unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, and built between 2008 - 2010, Bentley launched the second version of the 'Brooklands' as a high-performance coupé limited to just 550 cars worldwide, with the majority of these supplied to the USA, the Middle and the Far East. The model was a fixed-head version of the popular Azure and featured a two-door, four-seat pillarless coupé body. Continuing Bentley's long-standing tradition, the model employed their renowned coach-building techniques and craftsmanship skills, particularly in the cabin. Power came from a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged, V8 engine capable of producing 530 bhp, making this not only a beautiful car, but one with performance to match. Just 50 cars were supplied through the UK Bentley network and this car was one of just two supplied new by Bentley Birmingham for a cost of £275,000 at the time.
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TomMTomM - 10/8/2018 12:14:30 AM
+1 Boost
Actually - I just bought it - a Mercedes S650 Maybach.
IT will probably be my last purchase of that type of car in my lifetime.
At the time- my boss was buying a new Phantom - and made his old one (3,000 miles) available to me - but the Maybach is a superior car to the Old Phantom - and I was not going to spend for a new one. Frankly - the Maybach is more car than I needed - as well - but for about the same money I got a new car - with all the features that the old Phantom did not have. AND while the new Phantom drives maybe a little better - the Mayback easily beats the old one too.

There remains something about a V-12 engine that simply cannot be matched by any V-8 - the smoothness of the power is incredible. The Bentley with the V-8 is a boy racers car by comparison - it does look good - and should hold its current value fairly well - but ....

As far as the VW chassis - There is nothing wrong with the Bentley platform - it is just that it has been "tuned" for a little more sportiness as a drivers car - but it cannot match the Luxury ride of the Phantom or even the Maybach right now.


NewQNewQ - 10/8/2018 1:08:03 AM
+1 Boost
That's a good choice, but I would hope you have a driver. It seems a little strange to have a Maybach without one, since that's the primary reason for its existence. I've driven one, along with the standard S-Class, and the upgrades seem meaningless without someone in the back seat.

I agree with the V12, and I thought you could get that in a standard S-Class, but I can't find that configuration anywhere. If it's truly only available in the Maybach, that's puts me back on the fence about buying one to drive yourself.

Similarly, a Phantom is on the top of my list, but only if I have everything else (space, a driver, etc.) to go along with it.

Barring that, a Bentley Continental would be on top of my list, but I also find it hard to justify anything above the V12 version of my 7-Series (in whatever its most recent incarnation is). While the Continental and the 7 are vastly different in terms of what they offer, I shudder to think I've hit peak car at such a young age, so I'm confident I'll find a way to keep raising the ceiling of aspiration. Maybe Rolls-Royce Wraith would be the best blend of comfort, drivability, and craftsmanship?

Actually, my REAL dream car would be a world-beating S/7-beating, maybe even Bentley or Rolls-Royce-beating full-on Cadillac flagship. But, this is about goals, not impossible fantasies...


MDarringerMDarringer - 10/8/2018 8:08:11 AM
+1 Boost
@NewQ He's not talking about a "real" Maybach but the one that is a trim level. A lot of people drive their S Class sedan themselves.


TomMTomM - 10/8/2018 12:33:07 PM
+1 Boost
My S650 Maybach is not actually just an S-class trim level - IT actually is about 8 inches longer than any regular S-class - in both length and wheelbase.

And while you can buy an S-600 - regular length S Class with a V-12 - I am not sure if they are bringing that one to the USA


TruthyTruthy - 10/8/2018 12:41:42 AM
+1 Boost
Lexus LC V-8.


EVisNowEVisNow - 10/8/2018 2:27:31 AM
0 Boost
I hope my countdown clock hasn't started yet, but the upcoming Cayman GT4 with a flat six engine would be the only ICE car I will consider. Other than that, I'll settle with the Model 3 Performance for the next 5+ years.


mre30mre30 - 10/8/2018 6:25:50 AM
+2 Boost
I want a $61,000 Acura Integra but I will never get one because the only one out there just sold.


Agent00RAgent00R - 10/8/2018 11:40:10 PM
0 Boost
Well played.


Agent00RAgent00R - 10/8/2018 11:40:28 PM
+1 Boost
1990?


Agent00RAgent00R - 10/8/2018 11:41:54 PM
0 Boost
Looks like 1991 was the first MY...


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 10/8/2018 8:41:11 AM
+1 Boost
The next one I buy. At my age time is short and highly unpredictable. I just keep buying the car that makes me happy every couple of years until my maker calls me home. Currently working out with local dealer a purchase of a BMW 850i convertible when available painted to order in Stone Gray, a Porsche 356 color offered in 1957-1959. Unusual choice perhaps, but the heart wants what the heart wants.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/9/2018 1:32:22 PM
+1 Boost
excellent comment +1


robrefrobref - 10/8/2018 8:51:44 AM
+3 Boost
1987 Buick GNX


qwertyfla1qwertyfla1 - 10/8/2018 9:33:58 AM
+1 Boost
I loved the GNX but is there any color aside from black?


TruthyTruthy - 10/8/2018 9:45:35 AM
+1 Boost
Mid-engine Corvette?



absentabsent - 10/8/2018 10:04:39 AM
+1 Boost
The car I really, really want for a long time now, number one on my "bucket list", is the 2000 Aston Martin V600 Le Mans Edition.
As soon as I am ready financially, I will actively look for one, any color, any interior.


Agent00JAgent00J - 10/8/2018 10:06:49 AM
0 Boost
I've been fortunate to own a number of cool cars through the years, current cars I lust after are, in no particular order:

Older Stuff:
E30 BMW M3
E30 BMW 325i Convertible
Porsche 944 Turbo
Porsche 928S4
E36 BMW 325i

Current Stuff:
BMW M3/M4
Lexus LS500
Tesla Model S

I pray I have many years left to enjoy some of this list, I reserve the right to make changes many many times between now and my funeral.

-00J


TomMTomM - 10/8/2018 12:38:51 PM
+1 Boost
ALthough not the question - IT STILL REMAINS that the best car I ever owned was a 450SEL 6.9. At the time - there was NOTHING like it - no other manufacturer really competed against it - and it had features that took decades for others to catch up. It was blazingly fast for its time - and yet was still a top of the line Luxury car too.

I suppose - if pressed - that I would agree that I would rather have a new Phantom over my Maybach - but I simply could not justify the additional price. And if they actually made one for a person my size - I still would want a Ferrari - hopefully a Naturally Aspirated V-12 too --but I am not able to get on the bidders list so that one is never going to happen


Yonder7Yonder7 - 10/8/2018 11:11:15 AM
+1 Boost
Any MB AMG V12...


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 10/8/2018 2:20:22 PM
+2 Boost
I love it when we state an extremely non-confrontational personal preference as requested here and someone dings you! Live and let live I say. There is no wrong answer to this question...really!


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 10/8/2018 5:25:42 PM
+2 Boost
@AgentOOR -Great choice. I saw a Brooklands only once on the road. It is a dark green. It is a very large car vs the surrounding traffic.


Agent00RAgent00R - 10/8/2018 11:46:24 PM
0 Boost
With only 550 built, it's a rare bird.

Seeing one is a treat!


ricks0mericks0me - 10/8/2018 7:21:45 PM
0 Boost
I had a 1979 Jeep CJ7 and hope to get another CJ7. I also had a 1976 Firebird and hope to get another one. Nothing fancy here, just vehicles I wish I still had.


FoncoolFoncool - 10/8/2018 7:44:56 PM
0 Boost
450S #4508


MDarringerMDarringer - 10/8/2018 8:57:32 PM
0 Boost
Lamborghini Islero


xjug1987axjug1987a - 10/8/2018 10:01:55 PM
0 Boost
Singer 911....


xjug1987axjug1987a - 10/8/2018 10:31:54 PM
0 Boost
Icon Defender


xjug1987axjug1987a - 10/8/2018 11:15:20 PM
0 Boost
CTS-V....


xjug1987axjug1987a - 10/8/2018 11:17:11 PM
0 Boost
The 1987 560SL I sold 18 years ago....


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/8/2018 11:51:24 PM
+2 Boost
I like the current CTS-V as well... I have to put that on my list. Icon Defender... nice choice as well. Have you seen the earthroamer line of cool 4x4s?


ensorgumbsensorgumbs - 10/8/2018 10:14:06 PM
+2 Boost
AMG GT 4 door


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/9/2018 12:09:25 AM
+2 Boost
Old realistic
Nicely tweaked Pantera
Maybe an 850CSi
Ferrari 328 GTB or maybe a GTB Turbo
993 Porsche.... not sure which one but all wheel drive would be handy around here
1969 Camaro restomod ZL-1

Old not realistic (at the moment)
Alpina 850i (second series)
Ferrari 288 GTO

New realistic
Porsche Cayman GTS
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Ford Raptor
Cadillac CTS-V
Icon A5

New unrealistic (at the moment)
Bugatti 100p replica
GeeBee R2 replica






valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/9/2018 12:11:00 AM
+2 Boost
Should have said Alpina B12 5.7


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 10/9/2018 12:35:36 AM
+2 Boost
Almost forgot... not exactly a car...my latest lust is for a 1985 Yamaha RZ350 (Yellow and Black KR edition)


TruthyTruthy - 10/9/2018 1:30:11 PM
+1 Boost
PUGPROUD, I don't know who dinged you, but I thought your choice was excellent.
Get it the color you want (great choice also) and enjoy your BMW!


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