You’ve been working all the hours possible, and you’ve not been able to leave the office before the shops shut. The postman didn’t turn up. The online shopping transaction didn’t go through. I was robbed at gunpoint by an army of goblins somewhere near a KFC.
These are all excuses I have used to explain why my dad didn’t wake up to a card and a present on previous Father’s Days. This admittedly makes me an awful son. However, more than a few people reading this will be nodding sagely. Some will have a sudden realisation, then an unfettered outburst of Anglo-Saxon, and then be scrabbling to phone dad to apologise – and make some excuses.
For those who have forgotten, here are five cars that would definitely get you back in your dad’s good books. You just need to pick the car that best suits your father’s lifestyle. All these cars are available for less than ten grand and as it’s just one day after, you’ll at least have a year to pay off the loan. Here are our five choices.
1. OUTDOORSY DAD – LAND ROVER
Was your father always the first one up in the morning? Was a holiday not complete without a six-mile trek across the Yorkshire dales before dawn? Does he see himself as suburbia’s answer to Ray Mears, only with better-fitting shorts? Then this 1982 Land Rover Series III 88-inch Safari will more than do the trick.
2. LUXURY DAD – ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW
Is your father is far more Claridges than Cleethorphes? Does dressing down mean not wearing a tie t go to the shops? Does he rate a sofa’s worthiness by how far he can sink into the cushions? Then this is the one for him. It may be a smidgen under ten grand but no-one will really know – this Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow still looks like a millionaire's motor. And he’ll feel so much better about your memory indiscretion behind the wheel of this wonderfully refined Roller.
3. TINKERER DAD – LOTUS EUROPA PROJECT
Does your dad know his socket set better than he knows your other half’s second name? Does he call his shed home? Is he regularly covered in more oil than the floor of his garage? Then this Lotus Europa project is surely the answer. With relatively simple mechanicals, entertaining driving dynamics (when it’s done, circa 2025), and all the makings of a fantastic father-and-son bonding opportunity, it's a great story just waiting to happen. Just try not to misplace any sockets.
4. MOTORSPORT DAD – MGB TRACKDAY/RACE/RALLY CAR
Does your dad often go misty eyed when recounting tales of disappearing into remote forests at 2am with just a thermos, a bobble hat and the passing headlights of a Finnish rallying ace for company? Has he analysed the optimum apexes on his commute? Does he drive everywhere at the top of the rev range, despite your mother’s bemusement? Then why not give him what he really wants – and some relief to your probably very car-sick mum – with this fully track-prepared MGB. Your mother will probably pass on a go in it, however.
5. ‘I HAD ONE OF THOSE, YOU KNOW’ – TRIUMPH SPITFIRE
Does your dad often regale you with tales of his racy roadster past? Does he tell you hilarious stories about the breakdowns he had? Are there awkward moments when he says ‘Ah, I had one of those – your mother and I firs…. er…’? Then it’s likely he had a Triumph Spitfire, as it was cheap to buy, simple to look after and great fun. And the best bit? It still is – like this yellow number.