WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN IN 1976?

The Beaulieu Autojumble has long provided me with an excuse/utterly justifiable reason to purchase some old motoring magazines. And when looking at Motor's 17^th July 1976 edition, I am tempted to read the new car prices and wonder what would have been my choice for a particular sum. So, in the name of research, I chose £3,000 – not extravagant, but sufficient for a saloon that offered comfort, seating for five and looks that were smart enough to cause a stir at any Little Chef.

First, there are the Dolomite 1850HL and Beta 1800 - both safely under this limit at £2,845 and £2,767. If only the Lancia makes the shortlist, it is because the Triumph is definitely a four-seater. The Granada 2500L offers a good deal more room and costs a very acceptable £2,815. In addition, Ford upgraded the equipment levels of their cheaper models in 1975, and while the L lacks a sliding roof and a radio (those were the province of the GL and upwards), at least it features a rear folding armrest and front head restraints.

Alternatively, there is Vauxhall's FE range, which was recently upgraded as the VX. Their quasi-1970 Pontiac certainly appeals to me, but the 1800 Saloon looks a tad too Spartan - for £2,592, you might reasonably expect a trip recorder and a dipping rear-view mirror. As for the British Leyland empire, our £3,000 limit rules out the Rover 2200SC and the Triumph 2000TC. The Vanden Plas 1500 is £2,664 but too compact while the Morris Marina 1.8 HL is good value at £2,457 but slightly too 'Flash Harry'. Lest anyone accuse me of an anti-BL bias, I rejected the Ford Cortina 2000E for the same reason.

However, the Princess 1800HL is spacious and nicely kitted out with a multi-adjustable driver's seat and nylon upholstery. The optional automatic transmission only increases the price to a still-reasonable £2,934. Of course, it is not exceptionally rapid, but no 'Wedge' has any sporting pretensions. With the Princess alongside the Lancia and the Granada on my shortlist, it is time to investigate the Chrysler 2-Litre. It already appears slightly dated, yet the styling does possess a certain panache. The optional Torque Flite transmission is a probable 'must' for motorway driving, but this, unfortunately, raises the price to £3,153

From Japan, the Mazda 929 Automatic and the Colt Celeste 2000 are attractive, and only £2,719 and £2,699, respectively but are probably slightly too compact. The Toyota 2000 Automatic is similarly quite a bargain at £2,889, although the Datsun Laurel 200L is just over our limit, with a price tag of £3,088. But for a truly cheap, sizable and well-appointed saloon, the last-of-the-line Simca 1501 Special is a mere £2,038. Plus, it has a vague air of 1960s French B-films, which is always a plus point to the writer.

So far, the shortlist includes the Lancia, the Granada, the Princess and the Simca, but we must also have a Fiat. For one, the 132 1800GLS is an agreeable vehicle with a well-furnished interior and five-speed transmission to impress the neighbours. Best of all, it has a definite 'Euro-Box charm'; for £2,733, the sort of car for motorists who said "Ciao" in a Hampshire accent at their local trattoria could be mine. Finally, a sixth name for the list is the Citroën GS Pallas, as £2,339 was the bargain of the decade for one of the most remarkable cars of its generation.

Yet, my vehicle of choice must be the Renault 16TS - £2,661 for an equally significant vehicle. It is not only incredibly comfortable but also versatile and individualistic. True, the car from La Regie has a few idiosyncrasies, such as the handbrake position and the useless ventilation system. But all true enthusiasts naturally expect such quirks. Equally importantly, there is real satisfaction in putting the steering column gear lever into third and majestically sailing past Hillman Hunters on the M27…

In fact, the only problem with this pastime is realising how rare all these fine vehicles now are. But we may all dream –