Darren Leslie's Real World Dream Shed

It’s been a while since I started thinking about a Real World Dream Shed. As with the Real World Dream Barn, the cars I’d want would, for various reasons, change on a regular basis, but mainly because of the ‘ooh, that’s nice’ factor.

I’ll mention it from the outset that I have a huge fondness for Audis dating from the mid 1980s to the early 90s, so it was inevitable that one or two might creep into my Real World Dream Shed. Or should that be Vorsprung Durch Dream Shed?

And for anyone new to PetrolBlog, it's worth mentioning the subtle difference between a Real World Dream Shed and a Dream Barn. In a Barn, you get £300,000 to spend on ten cars - so that's £30k per car. In a Dream Shed, you get £30k for the entire collection. So spend your money wisely. Hat tip to Jonathan Kershaw for the inspiration.

Audi 100 (C3)

Along with the Ur Quattro, the Audi 100 is the car that started Audi's swift and monumental rise to greatness. It was exceedingly well built and thoughtfully designed. But it’s standout feature was its aerodynamics, with a quoted figure of just 0.30. It also won the Car of the Year award in 1983. Out of the Saloon or the Avant, strangely I'd plump for the Saloon…

Land Rover Freelander 1

A two-door Freelander with standard skinny wheels would make for an interesting - and relatively cheap - workhorse. The looks have grown on me over the years and although the K-series engine might not be the best unit for off-roading, it'll do perfectly well for the light green-laning I'd have planned for it.

MK1 Ford Galaxy 2.8 V6 4x4

Lots of room for the kids, a big engine and four-wheel drive - what’s not to like? I did consider one before we got our Sharan, but at the time, a Mk1 didn’t appeal. If the Sharan needed replacing and if I could find one in good condition, it’ll be in with a shout for my next purchase.

Fiat X1/9

The Fiat X1/9 is a lovely looking thing. Sharp 1970s styling by Bertone and - perhaps more importantly - pop-up headlights. For some reason, I’d prefer a 1.3-litre version to the 1.5-litre.

Lexus LS400

Styling wise it may be a little bland, but when Toyota decided to enter the luxury car market, it made sure it threw everything it had at Lexus. Gadgets galore, a big V8 engine, terrific build quality and reliability that's completely off the scale.

MK2 Vauxhall Astra GTE

Until the visit to the Vauxhall Heritage Centre earlier this year, I would not have put the GTE in my Dream Shed. It never compared favourably against the likes of the Golf GTI or 205 GTI, but by golly, it’s a cracking car. Exactly what a hot hatch should be - a big smile-inducing grin fest.

Jaguar XJ V8

Another barge, but then you can never own too many, can you? Wood and leather, another silky-smooth V8 engine and a wonderful ride quality. The styling looks rather dated, but it’s unmistakably a Jaaaag.

Audi V8

Another Audi, but I did warn you. The precursor to the A8 and Audi's first go at luxury car building. Despite its similarity to the 200 of the time, the V8 engine was completely new. Better looking than the A8 that replaced it, I would also say that I’d prefer an Audi V8 to a new A8, but then again, I am slightly strange…

Audi A2

Much has been said about this car, but the phrase ‘built ten years too early’ would sum it up perfectly. Small, well built and with plenty of aluminium to reduce weight - if Audi launched the A2 today, it would sell like hot cakes. This quote I found on Wikipedia from the boss of Audi UK says it all - 'create a small Audi, not a cheap Audi'.

Citroën CX

I seem to be stocking up on barges. Anyway, it’s a big Citroën which means it’ll float down the road on its hydraulic suspension. I think the early ones are the best looking, but buying one of those might blow the budget. Citroën certainly knew how to make a good looking car in those days…



Fancy submitting a Real World Dream Barn or Real World Dream Shed of your own, get in touch with PetrolBlog.

All photos courtesy of respective manufacturers, except the Astra GTE © PetrolBlog.