Alan's Real World Dream Barn

General Bunk The Barn
Alan Liddell lists ten cars that would be fighting for space in his Real World Dream Barn.

Last year I had an email from a good chap called Alan. He's a reader of PetrolBlog and does his bit to support the site on a couple of social media sites. He also took the time to drop me an email towards the end of last year, in which he neatly presented his ten cars for a Real World Dream Barn. How did I repay Alan's loyalty? By not getting around to posting it, that's how. I've offered an apology of course, but have stopped short of sending some Hobnobs up to Scotland.

Instead, without further ado, here's Alan's Real World Dream Barn. Once again, sorry for the delay, Alan.

When I first read this part of PetrolBlog, it made me laugh. Like many petrolheads, I have been through this plenty times in my head. We all must have too much time on our hands! But rather than leave it in my head, I grabbed a pen and paper to do it properly. The problem was, I ended up with about 30 cars!

What I have learned is that if I am lucky enough to win the lottery one day, my first buy should be a recovery/transporter truck! In the meantime, here's the current list:

Alvis TF21 Saloon

I love the old world style of these, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive! Alvis TF21 on Car & Classic.

Alvis TF21 saloonTalbot Sunbeam Lotus

Couldn't get further away from the above! I've fancied one of these for years, a rear-wheel drive hot hatch with a Lotus engine? Yes please! Talbot Sunbeam Lotus on Car & Classic.

Talbot Lotus Sunbeam

TVR Griffith

This is the one I wanted when i was at school! I still wanted Triumphs and Escorts back then as well, but peer pressure just kept them further down the pecking order!. Not very practical but who cares when you have ten cars? TVR Griffith for sale on Car & Classic.

TVR Griffith

Range Rover

This balances out the TVR's practicality issues perfectly and will be handy for a good Scottish winter! Would have to be an early 2-door model for me, but I found this one on eBay, which needs a little work! Range Rover for sale on eBay.

Range Rover on PetrolBlog

Rover SD1 Vitesse

Just noticed this is my third Rover V8, so it's just as well the lottery win means I don't have to worry about MPG! Perfect family car, masses of space, hatchback versatility, awesome looks and V8 Soundtrack. Rover SD1 for sale on Car & Classic.

Rover SD1 Vitesse

Ford Escort RS2000 MK2

Again this is a long time want. They may cost a relative fortune these days but they are reliable great fun cars that prove the '70s were not a style disaster! Ford Escort RS2000 for sale on Car & Classic.

Ford Escort RS2000

Triumph 2.5PI MK1

The MK1 2000 is probably my favourite car ever, but I have owned one of those already, so for my Real World Dream Barn I would like the rare 2.5PI version. It has still got the classic looks and interior, but has a bit more poke. The eBay ad shows what I could really afford right now! Triumph 2000 model on eBay.

Triumph 2.5 PI

Jaguar XKR Supercharged

Its maybe the Scottish thriftyness coming out in me, but just because I have won the lottery does not mean I can't appreciate a bargain! I had this Jaguar on my eBay watch list, at under £3k it represented unbelievable value. These late 6-pots are the ones to have as well, being more reliable than the V8s that replaced them. Good (X300) XJ6s are currently going for £1,500-£2,000, so they are firmly on my real world radar just now! Jaguar XKR on eBay.

Jaguar XKR Supercharged

Alfa Romeo Giulia

It is said that every petrolhead should have owned an Alfa at some point in their life. I haven't yet, but when I do it's more likely to be a 155 or 156. Sadly I don't think I could afford a Giulia right now! These cars look great and I have the pleasure of driving past one at an Alfa specialist nearly every day! This one on eBay is an absolute dream car! Alfa Romeo Giulia on eBay.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Sunbeam Rapier Fastback

This is another long term want. Rare and cool. Mine would be lowered slightly on period alloys. Sunbeam Rapier Fastback on eBay.

Sunbeam Rapier Fastback

That was dangerous! The more I was writing, the more I was starting to believe I really had won the lottery! PetrolBlog has a lot to answer for! Hope you like my choices.

You can follow Alan on twitter @aldoliddell.

All images taken from respective ads, except for Triumph (Charles01) and Range Rover (manufacturer).