Which car should we sell to fund the GT-R's renovation: Pajero Evo or E24 M635?

Renowned photographer Mark has been working with Top Gear for many, many years. When not taking photos he’s buying inappropriate cars. Here he shares his addiction with the world

Behold! For the first time in four years the GT-R moves on its own wheels... albeit borrowed wheels, and with some pushing required. But after spiralling from a simple underside refresh into a complete bare shell resto, the finish line is finally in sight. Once I figure out a way to buy all the remaining parts Steve needs to complete it.

The plan should’ve been quite simple: spend some money on the Pajero Evolution to make it jazzy, followed by selling it (immediately after) before I have a chance to ruin it. What this plan didn’t need was the urge to now keep it, especially after sinking thousands into the bodywork. Two guesses where the rest of this update is headed.

And here lies the current dilemma. Do I power through and sell the headache-free Pajero against my better judgement, or do I target a car which is the polar opposite to this – my BMW E24 M635CSI – in order to free up the cash needed to finish the GT-R?

I bought the E24 back in 2018 as a non runner and somehow got it through its MOT test for about a grand. I should’ve sold it there and then for a decent profit but instead decided a bare shell restoration using Group A parts seemed like the more fun thing to do. Hindsight is a truly terrifying thing.

Six years on, I currently have an immaculate M635CSI shell complete with its M88 engine fitted and KW two-way Clubsport dampers. But that’s about it right now. It’s a long way from being finished, and with builders CNC Motorsport undergoing a restructure it’s now residing in my unit for the foreseeable.

I’m not particularly sentimental with cars. I adore them beyond a healthy level but also see it as a privilege to have owned many I never thought I’d get the chance to. But what has changed is my patience for these giant projects; when I first started the E24 build the R34 needed nothing. Now I have two expensive migraines running in parallel.

Selling the Pajero Evolution is an infinitely easier task given it runs and can be enjoyed. It will be one of the few cars I miss, but there’s no shortage of ‘em for sale which is bizarre given how few were even made. With the M635CSI, it’d be bitter to tap out on a project early – and I’d do well to recover even half of what it owes me so far – but considering what it still needs to complete I’m not sure my hairline would survive 2026.

The final option is to find a Sheikh who loves half finished cars, and swap everything I own for a Manthey 991 GT2 RS allowing me to ride off into the sunset. Backwards through a hedge on the A43.