Today's millionaire list comes from the guy who coined the phrase, "what-the-f*%@mobile" to describe the Lamborghini Espada. His vehicular roster is heavy on the kind of cars driven by either an international playboy character in "Our Man Flint" or a State Department official with his hand deep the local cookie jar. As if any one of us wouldn't want to try that shit on for a day or two — or at least untill the assassin's bullet broke skin. [Thanks, Chris.]
1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 - There's something so international playboy combined with artistic bohemian about this design. I've always been a fan of Alfa's and have fervent hope that they will return to the US soon. I even liked the Milano! $18,000.00
2005 Aston Martin DB9 - Automotive design and engineering perfection in my book. Modern, gorgeous, not overly retro (i.e. Bentley GT), ass-kicking performance. Also, I'm very intrigued with the bamboo interior trim option. How sustainable. $190,000.00
1970 Aston Martin DB6 Volante - For when you absolutely, positively must make like you're Bond, James Bond. Long drives in the country with sexy, improbably named women. International intrigue, mystique, sex appeal standard. $200,000.00
1973 BMW 3.0 CS - When German cars where both technically brilliant AND beautiful. My aunt used to have one of these. It's the first car I remember riding in. I remember feeling very suave. $30,000.00
1971 Lamborghini Espada - My what-the-f*%@ - mobile. I love the "ground control to Major Tom" design. Perfect for escaping paparazzi on the Left Bank with "Barbarella"-era Jane Fonda. Big, dark sunglasses required. $43,000.00
2005 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5 XS - I'd have to figure out how to import this baby from a "left hand" country first. But nothing would be better for checking out the far flung, remote corners of the estate that I'd inevitably have if I had million to blow on cars. Also, I'd have the "Daktari Soundtrack" playing at all times while driving this. $40,000.00
2005 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Yes, please! Supercharged version. It's like "Extreme Makeover" for SUVs these days. To my eyes this looks like the most successful take on the luxury/high-performance/off-road package yet. Gorgeous looks, amazing on and off road performance. Perfect for day trips to Gstaad for skiing. Much better execution than that travesty, the Cayenne. $65,000.00
2005 Lotus Elise - In the words of underrated funk band Zapp "more bounce to the ounce" baby! Every boy needs a toy. This would be mine. Track days and twisty roads only. $60,000.00
2005 Maserati Quattroporte - Brilliant, emotional take on the ultra-luxury sedan. Everything that the competition is lacking - especially passion. To drive or be driven in, either way you'd make a grand, individualistic statement. Reliability and resale be damned! $125,000.00
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet - As with the Lamborghini, big, dark sunglasses required. And as with the BMW 3.0 CS, from the era when German cars were engineering marvels and elegant. No need to hit you over the head with ingenuity like i-Drive, flame surfacing, or gimmicks (I'm talking to you 4-door "coupe"). Perfect for driving leisurely to brunch in Malibu. $85,000.00
1993 Mercedes-Benz 300 TD - "The Workhorse" in my stable. Dogs, yard sales, Home Depot, Costco. Arguably the W124 platform was the last great car Mercedes-Benz made. Diesel version so I could adorn it with the ultimate status symbol here in Seattle - a bumper sticker that reads, "This car powered by BIODIESEL". Do good, smell like a deep fryer. $10,000.00
197x Peugeot 504 Cabriolet - French cars have always been underrated in the US. Especially Peugeot. I had a 1985 505 wagon in high school. I LOVED that car. Totally reinforced my image as the "Duckie" Dale of my high school. Anyway this Pininfarina design is underrated and understated. Classic. $20,000.00
1989 Toyota Landcruiser FJ-62 - The best car I've ever owned. I kick myself almost every day for selling it. I've tried to buy it back 3 times now. Anyway, I'd get one that'd been put through the meticulous restoration process at Cool Cruisers of Texas. $25,000.00
Related:
One Million Dollars in Cars: Reader Responses, Day Twelve [internal]