Abbey Rose Frangrances owner Mary Gordon has two loves: Scented candles and her Porsche Cayenne GTS V8
Tell us about your car ...
It’s a white 2014 Cayenne GTS V8, tiptronic with an aerodynamic body kit and two-tone leather upholstery. I’m a petrolhead and you can’t beat the sound of a V8 engine. This Porsche is highly spec’d with a beautiful interior and great performance. I purchased it in December 2014 as I wanted an SUV to give me better visibility on the Auckland roads.
Who else is allowed to drive it?
Dean, my husband, he tries to drive it every chance he gets.
Main considerations when buying a car?
The look of the car and the interior detailing and finishing, as well as having excellent performance and road handling ability.
How often do you clean it?
Usually every week as I enjoy cleaning my car and my husband brought me a Porsche car-cleaning kit for my birthday, which I thought was a great present.
Do you have a special scent for your car?
My Abbey Rose Fig room spray, it’s subtle and fresh.
First car you owned?
A 1979 Skoda; the fan belt used to break all the time. The first time it happened I had to improvise with my pantyhose, but the second time was no fun so I had to carry spares and change them as required.
Is the Cayenne your dream car?
The Cayenne is awesome car but my dream car is the Bentley Continental GT.
Who taught you to drive?
My father taught me in his Ford Falcon Ute with manual 3-speed column shift and no power steering on the country roads of Newstead in the Waikato, where I grew up. He must have been good as I went for my licence the day I turned 15 and passed.
Manual or automatic?
In the Auckland traffic, automatic is the way to go but on the open roads, I prefer manual as you can really drive the car and it’s more rewarding from a purist viewpoint.
Most memorable road trip?
Driving around Paris and to the south of France and coming to terms with driving on the right-hand side. The Arc de Triomphe roundabout is a nightmare and something I’ll never want to experience again as the driver.
What do you listen when you are driving?
A range of music from classical, if I’m sitting in peak-hour traffic (this helps me chill out) to Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Crowded House and Lorde. Great day trip out of Auckland? Driving to Taupo.
Favourite film car scene?
The Bourne Supremacy: The stunts in the scene where Jason Bourne drives the yellow taxi with a G-class Mercedes chasing him is pretty full on.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
No. Everyone has different requirements and tastes but I enjoy seeing other people who are really into their cars and talking to them about why they love their car.
Would you rather drive or take public transport in Auckland?
I try to take the Link bus when I can as it’s easier to get around especially given the current congestion caused by the road works and construction.
Auckland’s traffic?
It is an issue, especially in peak hours or if there’s been an accident on the motorway. I would like to see a rail system from Orewa to the city so people have the option of the bus or the train. This would help solve congestion on the Northern Motorway.
If you could change one road rule?
To see the motorway’s outside lane just for cars travelling at 100km (conditions and traffic permitting). Slow, inconsiderate drivers can be frustrating.
- Donna McIntyre