OUR BEST EVER CLASSIC CARS

We reveal our favourites, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts

- TOM JERVIS

VOLVO P1800

Power/engine size: 100bhp/1.8 litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl/four-speed manual with overdrive 0-60/top speed: 11.0 secs/110mph Price new/price now: £1,500/£30,000

BOASTING a gorgeous body, the Volvo P1800 drove its way into the public's hearts with its sweeping lines, grand touring comfort and role as Roger Moore's ride of choice in The Saint. Under the long bonnet lies a relatively modest 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine which, at first, produced just 100bhp. The car sat on the same chassis as the 122 Amazon, but several tweaks gave more of a grand touring feel, with buyers able to choose from coupé or shooting brake bodies.

TOM JERVIS

LANCIA AURELIA B24 SPIDER

Power/engine size: 118bhp/1.8 litre Engine/gearbox: V6/four-speed manual 0-60/top speed: 11.5 seconds/115mph Price new: £3,173 price now: from £750,000-£1m

I'VE had a model of the Lancia Aurelia for many years because it's quite a pretty thing. But it was only when I looked into the car's history and engineering that I discovered what an amazing classic it is.

It's the first production car with a V6 engine, which is a fairly important feat in itself. Plus it has a transaxle for better weight distribution and inboard rear brakes to cut unsprung weight, so there was sophistication behind its immaculate lines.

There was a convertible, but the most elegant version is the Spider, which should be reserved for special trips with the wind in your hair, as you bask in the sun while cruising along the French Riviera.

And you'll want to savour it, because pricing starts from at least three-quarters of a million, with the very best examples easily relieving you of a £1m. Sadly, with those kinds of figures, I'll have to stick with the model sitting on my desk.

MAX ADAMS