Most of us associate certain cars with memorable moment in their lives and in this article our founder Richard shares some of his memorable car moments
When people ask me where my passion for cars began, it all goes back to my mum’s trusty (and very rusty) Triumph Dolomite, registration PRE 252L. It was the car I learned in and the one I eventually passed my test in — on the third attempt. Cutting off the L plates was a big moment, though the Dolomite probably deserved a medal for putting up with me.
My first car was a Mini Clubman Estate, ERE 955N. It was already showing signs of rust when I got it and it went downhill from there. It suffered all sorts of abuse at my hands, from bad parking to worse driving. I knew very little about how to look after a car back then, and the Mini paid the price.
My first crash came in that very same Mini, tackling Hardknott Pass in Cumbria. The roads were frosty, the corners tight and the driver completely out of his depth. No injuries, thankfully, but the Mini ended up with a fair bit of suspension and body damage. My dad was not amused.
My first date was with Pamela, and I tried to impress her by borrowing my dad’s MGB. It looked the part and sounded the part, but despite what the adverts claimed at the time — “You can do it in an MG” — nothing of the sort happened. Still, the MGB made a strong impression, even if I didn’t.
The worst car I ever owned was an Austin Healey Sprite, ROP 651G, known more accurately as “Ropey”. A Welsh friend of mine described it as “as rotten as a parson’s sock” and he was absolutely right. It was falling apart from the inside out and I don’t think I ever drove it without something rattling or leaking.
There have been some excellent cars too. The Porsche 996 stands out as one of the best — quick, well built, and most importantly, reliable. It was the first Porsche I owned that never gave me any grief.
The fastest car I have driven was the McLaren 650S. In track mode, it felt like it was bending the laws of physics. Brutal acceleration, incredible grip and a sense that if you got it wrong, it would punish you immediately. A proper supercar.
At the other end of the scale, the slowest car I own is my Austin 7. It is incredibly slow by today’s standards, but it still brings me a huge amount of joy. It is simple, honest motoring and always attracts a smile.
And then there is the Mini. The original, Issigonis-designed masterpiece. It did more to change motoring in Britain than just about any other car. It may have been small, but its impact was enormous.
One car that deserves a special mention is the MGB. It struck a chord with the British public for good reason. Easy to own, fun to drive, and smart enough to turn heads, it was the right car at the right time. It is no wonder so many are still on the road today.
Relive Your Own Car Story
That is why we built Great British Car Journey. Because we all have a car that shaped our lives. Whether it was your first drive, your first crash, or the one that got away, these cars are tied to our memories.
With our Drive Dad’s Car experience, you can get behind the wheel of over 40 different classics and relive those unforgettable moments. No rose tinted glasses needed — just great cars and even better memories.
Come and make some new ones and book your tickets to visit us today .