Dino – Under the Bonnet | Cars, Deals & Opportunities

If you’ve got a lump of money and you’ve always promised yourself something special, what should you buy without watching that money disappear?
In this episode of Under the Bonnet with Dino, I look at some of the cars I’d genuinely consider buying now — not because I think they’re guaranteed to make a fortune, but because I believe the right example could give you years of enjoyment while hopefully holding a sensible amount of its value.
I talk from real experience about cars I’ve owned and cars we’ve seen through the workshop, including the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT, Porsche 997, Mercedes SLK55 AMG, Audi R8 V8 manual and one completely ridiculous American wildcard — the Hummer.
I also cover the expensive traps, why ultra-low mileage isn’t always a good thing, what can go wrong when these cars sit unused, and why buying the cheapest example is often the most expensive decision.
Plus:News Desk — should classic cars have age-appropriate MOT-style testing?Dino’s Deal of the Week — branded prescription glasses for £27 and free Grand Designs Live tickets at the NEC Birmingham.
This isn’t about getting rich from cars. It’s about buying something you’ve always wanted, enjoying it, and hopefully not losing your shirt in the process.
Under the Bonnet with Dino — good cars, better stories. Case closed.
 

Which cars could become the next big collector favourites?
In this episode of Under the Bonnet with Dino, I reveal 10 future classics I’d seriously consider buying now before everyone else catches on — from affordable modern classics to serious performance cars.
We look at cars including the Porsche 997, Ferrari F430, BMW Z4 Coupé, Mercedes SLK55 AMG, Toyota Supra, Mk2 Golf GTI, Ford Transit Mk1, Vauxhall Viva, Jaguar XKR and Audi R8 V8 Manual.
I also explain what I personally look for when buying a future classic: condition, originality, history, specification and whether the car has genuine long-term collector appeal.
Plus, on the News Desk, we look at the new electric Range Rover, its claimed range, charging times, performance and whether traditional Range Rover buyers will really make the switch to electric.
And Dino’s Deal of the Week is a little different this time: Lasting Power of Attorney — something that could be far more important than any bargain car part or gadget.
If you enjoy classic cars, future classics, car investment, buying advice, auction trends and honest motoring opinions, subscribe to Under the Bonnet with Dino.
Cars. Stories. Advice. Deals. Case Closed.

Dino picks 10 cars under £10,000 that he’d genuinely consider buying now — from Porsche and Mercedes to Japanese modern classics, Minis and Jaguars. Plus the Ferrari he missed, a quick emissions update, highlights from Mathewsons Live, and Dino’s Deal of the Week.

Is that car really a bargain — or is it a financial disaster waiting to happen?
In Episode 15 of Under the Bonnet with Dino, Dino shares 13 essential things to know before buying a car, whether you’re looking at a classic car, modern classic, performance car, prestige car, restoration project or potential barn find.
Drawing on decades of experience buying, owning, inspecting and restoring cars, Dino talks about the mistakes that can turn an apparently cheap car into a very expensive one.
We cover:
Hidden rust and corrosion
Microblistering and what it can reveal about paintwork
Overspray and suspiciously fresh resprays
Why an honest unrestored car can sometimes be the better buy
Welding and hidden bodywork costs
Why a £40,000 car can be cheaper than a £30,000 car
Originality and the hidden cost of a proper restoration
Buying cars at auction and avoiding auction fever
Barn finds — treasure or expensive trouble?
What to check when starting an engine from cold
Buying for investment versus buying with your heart
The cars Dino wishes he had bought — and the ones he got wrong
And perhaps most importantly:
Everyone Needs a Don
One of the biggest lessons Dino has learned is to take an experienced technician with you when viewing a car.
Dino’s man was Don.
A knowledgeable technician or classic-car specialist can often spot corrosion, accident repairs, mechanical faults, poor restoration work and expensive problems that enthusiasm can make a buyer overlook.
Spending money on a proper inspection before buying could potentially save you thousands afterwards.
A Ferrari Dino Barn Find?
There’s also something rather special lurking behind this episode.
Dino has found a Ferrari Dino 246 that has been sitting for years.
He has never owned a Ferrari.
He has always wanted one.
So is this finally the opportunity — or could it prove everything he has just warned everyone about?
Bargain or disaster? Watch this space.
Dino’s Deal of the Week – Porsche 944
This week’s Dino’s Deal of the Week is a 1983 Porsche 944 manual, currently advertised at £3,600.
It’s a right-hand-drive, 5-speed manual 944 and, at this price, it raises exactly the question at the heart of this episode:
Is it a bargain — or what will it need once you get it home?
View Dino’s Deal of the Week here:
https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2094943
Advert availability and price may change. Always inspect a vehicle properly and carry out your own checks before purchasing.
Classic Car Lab
This podcast is brought to you by Classic Car Lab, specialists in classic car restoration, bodywork, paintwork, mechanical restoration, repairs and the care of classic, sports, cherished and luxury cars.
Visit Classic Car Lab:
https://classiccarlab.com/
Under the Bonnet with Dino
Real cars. Real stories. Restoration advice, buying tips, classic cars, modern classics, performance cars, auctions, barn finds and the lessons learned from a lifetime around interesting machinery.
If you enjoy classic cars, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche, restoration projects, modern classics, car auctions or simply finding a great car, follow Under the Bonnet with Dino so you don’t miss the next episode.
 

Thirty years ago, Dino bought a silver Aston Martin DB5 with no bumpers—and problems everywhere. In this episode, he reveals what a DB5 is really like to drive, the day it caught fire, his father’s wonderfully unimpressed verdict, the craftsmen who changed his life, Amanda’s pivotal role in starting the journey, and whether buying or restoring a DB5 still makes financial sense today.

Stories. Memories. Family. Adventure. The Cars That Made Me.
Why do certain cars stay with us forever?
In this deeply personal episode of Under the Bonnet with Dino, I look back at the cars that shaped my life—from a modest childhood in Yorkshire, washing cars and selling wool with my mum, to scholarships, business, Aston Martins and unforgettable adventures.
This isn't just about classic cars. It's about family, resilience, opportunity, setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. Every car has a story, but sometimes it's the journey behind the wheel that matters most.
Whether you're passionate about classic cars, modern classics, restoration, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the people, I hope this episode leaves you inspired.
Because sometimes the cars don't just take us places—they help make us who we become.

Thinking of buying or selling a car? Before you do, listen to this episode. Dino investigates the truth about private sales, dealers, auctions and online platforms, revealing where you can save thousands of pounds—and where expensive mistakes are often made. With decades of experience buying, selling and restoring everything from everyday cars to Aston Martins and Ferraris, Dino shares practical advice that could save you money and help you buy with confidence.

Thinking about restoring a classic or modern classic? Before you spend a penny, listen to this episode. Dino shares decades of real workshop experience, revealing the hidden costs, common mistakes, investment pitfalls and emotional decisions behind restoration. From Aston Martins and Jaguars to Porsche, MG and modern classics, discover when a restoration makes financial sense—and when it's worth doing simply because the memories matter.

In this episode of Under the Bonnet with Dino, Dino reveals the 10 cars collectors are quietly buying in 2026 and the 5 he'd avoid completely. From the Porsche 996 Turbo, Jaguar XKR and Aston Martin DB7 to the Mercedes R129 and Volvo 850R, we explore future classics, market trends, investment potential and where the smart money is heading in today's changing classic car market.
 

Join Dino for one of the most memorable classic car adventures ever. Delivering an Aston Martin DB6 to Switzerland should have been straightforward, but customs drama, a mysterious buyer, a hot tub invitation, stinky Dijon cheese strapped to the transporter and hallucinations on the drive home turned it into a trip he'll never forget. Plus Dino's Deals of the Week with Father's Day gift ideas from Hunt A Deal. #AstonMartin #DB6 #ClassicCars #RoadTrip #MotoringPodcast