I also really identify with the brand’s values, at least as I perceive them to be. Sporting of course, attractive naturally, but robustly and properly constructed too, in a way many of its contemporaries frankly were not.
For me it’s all about the early cars. I’ve driven a couple of 3000s from the 1960s and enjoyed them, but the 100/4s are prettier to these eyes, lighter, more nimble and while slower, better to drive.
In fact, I drove one last week, fast and across open countryside, and loved every second. It’s not actually a car you could buy in period because it was an original BN1 with a four speed BN2 gearbox and an engine in fast road/slow race specification, so essentially a 100M for a fraction of the money.
And it’s still fabulous. It doesn’t do anything particularly well, but what does that matter when it is all done with charm? I love the look, the sound and the feel. You have to get really stuck in when driving it quickly, constantly correcting and adjusting lines, balancing the throttle and having a fine old time. Indeed, it is this, far more than say an XK120, which is the quintessence of what I want a British sports car of that era to be.
Will it make a return? As what? There’s the Caton Healey restomod which I look forward to driving shortly. But beyond that? If it’s a modern EV, I’m afraid I almost hope not.