KEYS TO SUCCESS
Car SOS star Fuzz Townshend picks retro cars you can sell for profit – including £3.5k Porsche & ‘perennial favourite’
There's also room for an icon of British motoring
CAR SOS star Fuzz Townshend has urged drivers to look at a host of classic motors they can buy that could turn a profit - including a retro Porsche model.
The petrolhead, who hosts the popular show alongside Tim Shaw, is renowned for his knowledge and expertise on vintage whips, and has chosen a handful of enthusiast-friendly examples that might make a sound investment.
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PORSCHE 944
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The iconic Porsche 944, with its pop-up headlights and cool 80s-styling, was once one of the German brand's most successful sports cars.
Produced between 1982 and 1991, over 163,000 of these motors were produced - and they're now becoming hot favourites among collectors.
According to Fuzz, enthusiasts can find a 944 with around 100,000 to 200,000 on the clock for just £3,500, although most sellers will be looking for around £4,500 to £6,500.
Fuzz added: "It might be worth keeping your eyes peeled."
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"BIG" JENSENS
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The gas-guzzling good times of Jensen Motors may be over - with the British car maker officially calling it a day in 2011 - but their legacy lives on.
Classic car lovers have been hot for the Interceptor for a generation, while Fuzz also points to the rarer 541R model - a motor he himself owns.
He said: "I've been watching with glee as the prices of big Jensens go through the roof over the past three or so years.
"Interceptors also are once again finding favour, even in this oil-starved world, but do bear in mind the cost and complexity of restoring these colossi."
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Enthusiasts should be prepared to fork out at least £30,000 for a decent Interceptor, although many are much pricier.
Fuzz added: "Buy a decent example, treat it with kid gloves and pick your marketing moment."
JAGUAR 420 & S-TYPE
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Cars fans will be forced to part with an arm and a leg for an E-Type or a Mk2 Jaguar - but Fuzz says attention is now turning to "the less balanced-looking of the 60s big cats."
The petrolhead highlights the 420 and S-type as two such examples, which have both gained a "growing following."
He added: "Time has been kind to the latter cars when it comes to styling and for some strange reason, they're beginning to look good, even without beer."
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CLASSIC MINIS
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The original Mini is a retro classic that's still loved all over the world - including places like Brazil.
Fuzz said: "Word on the street is that a market for the cars is opening up in Latin America, with Brazilians now falling head over heels for the pint-sized charmer."
Described as a ";perennial favourite," the British icon is still seen on roads up and down the country - some 60-odd years since it first rolled off the production line.
However, Fuzz has warned buyers of the motor's drawbacks.
He said: "Let's face it, the little chaps are right old rotters so make sure that everything is tickety-boo before buying.
"A good, solid, original shell is a must and an original, matching-numbers engine a bonus."
Best of British: The history of the Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper emerged in 1961 as the result of the friendship between the British Motor Corporation's head designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, and John Cooper, the head of the Cooper Car Company.
Cooper, who was also a designer of F1 cars, felt that the original Mini, first produced in 1959, had the potential to be tuned up for the world of motorsport.
The car debuted under both the Austin and Morris brands and was a commercial hit, with over 80,000 Mk I versions sold.
The Cooper was considered an icon of '60s Britain, particularly after they were used by Michael Caine and his band of bullion thieves in 1969's The Italian Job.
The original was discontinued in 1971 before being revived in 1990 under the ownership of the Rover Group, following the collapse of British Leyland.
Mini was then purchased as a standalone brand by BMW Group in 2000 when Rover was liquidated and continues to produce the Cooper to this day.
The lineage is set to continue on beyond 2030 in the form of an electric supermini bearing the iconic Cooper nameplate.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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While it's not the world-renowned Type-2 - the original van-turned-camper that's been adored by generations - the Transporter is surely the next best thing.
Fuzz said: "The later Transporters provide possibilities for less deep pockets.
"In fact, most carefully-presented VW commercials will turn the heads of enthusiasts and there is a thriving scene for them, which almost guarantees the sort of demand that Ford utility vehicles of similar vintage couldn't hope to emulate."
FORD ESCORT MK I & MKII
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Much like the Mini, the original Ford Escort was once one of the most popular motors on the road - having replaced the Ford Anglia as the family-motor of choice.
Of course, it was also adored by so-called "boy racers" who made the 'Scort somewhat infamous.
Fuzz said: "Unfortunately, these disciples were fickle and so most of them sold their pristine two-door examples for the price of a pint and a curry.
"They now, nearly to a man, regret their folly, and so the market is buoyant.
"Indeed, such is the clamour for basic, cross-flow fun that thrifty fanciers are starting to squint lovingly at the more basic four-door models, too."
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It comes as explorers recently came across a "Ford graveyard" full of dozens of motors, including "modern classics".
And elsewhere, a major car brand is set to release its first ever "pure" EV with four models to follow.
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