David Brown’s choice
Mad as a hatter
They may resemble four-wheeled jungle gyms, but we’ve always had a soft spot for Ariel’s slightly unhinged creations, and this 2019 Ariel Nomad R is about as mental as they come. One of only five in the world, this Ohlins-equipped Pearl White Nomad R would annihilate a rally stage without breaking a sweat, although the same can’t be said for the hypothetical driver. Powered by a 335 horsepower Honda Type R supercharged 4 cylinder and weighing a scant 700kgs, this Nomad R is as accelerative as it is visually impressive. Thanks to its single-paddle sequential box, the Nomad R will rocket to 60 mph in an eye-watering 2.9 seconds, making it the world’s fastest piece of scaffolding. So, if your parents are Bob the Builder and the Stig, your ride is waiting.
The maroon missile
The XK 120 may have started the lineage, but this 1958 Jaguar XK 150 makes a strong case for itself as the most useable (and best looking) of Jag’s classic grand tourers. While the exterior shade of Claret (aka brown) isn’t our usual cup of tea, there’s no denying that it pairs remarkably well with the Biscuit leather interior. This example is an original RHD car, and shows just 11,600 miles on the odometer. Pair the low mileage with worthwhile upgrades such as a five-speed gearbox and halogen headlights, and you have a near-perfect grand tourer that’s just waiting to elevate your next road trip.
Grand Finale
It was never going to be easy for Lancia to create a run-out special worthy of a car as iconic as the Delta, but we think you’ll agree this 1995 Delta HF Integrale 16V Evoluzione II ‘Edizione Finale’ is an excellent effort. Painted in Rosso Amaranto and topped-off with the Torinese yellow and blue stripe, this Delta easily makes it into our top five best looking hatchbacks ever made. Number 218 of 250 made, this example appears to be in immaculate condition inside and out, as you would expect of a car that has only covered 16,011 miles in almost three decades. Having spent most of its life on the salt-free roads of Japan, this is likely to be the sweetest Delta you’ll see for quite some time.
Brasilia brilliance
The Golf or Beetle are obviously the hatchbacks most inseparably linked with VW’s identity, but when it comes to sheer desirability, it’s hard to beat this 1977 VW Brasilia. As the name hints at, the Brasilia was intended to replace the Beetle in Brazil, combining the Beetle’s engine with the Karmann Ghia’s chassis to create a hatchback that’s more stylish than it has any right to be. Finished in what looks to be Viper Green and with just 31,069 miles on the clock, this would be a fantastic alternative to any of the boring, plastic modern hatchbacks on the road today.