HADY WENHAM, OWNER OF FORME SPAS, HAS A PASSION FOR ALL THINGS ITALIAN
What do you drive?
A 2016 Maserati Ghibli, black, auto with all the bells and whistles. It was brought in to be a high-end demonstrator but it never made the floor as it was love at first sight. I bought it in February this year, new from Maserati in Auckland.
Why a Maserati?
Once you drive a Maserati, it ruins you for all other cars. It’s that magic combination of Italian style and racing car engine that you just can’t beat. The roar of the engine in sports mode, the way it handles on the road, plus great electronics and uber cool style.
Who else is allowed to drive it?
Um … no one!
Who cleans it and how often?
I have it valeted once a fortnight.
What do you always have in your car?
Sunglasses, hand cream, gym gear, yoga mat, phone charger lead — all the essentials.
Do you keep special shoes in your car for driving or do you just drive with what you have on?
Sadly, to the ruin of some shoes, I still have the habit of jumping in and driving.
Dream car?
I love this car — there is no other at the moment.
First car?
My first car was a purple Honda Civic manual, a wreck that my brother, who at the time was a mechanic, managed to weld back together. I was 15 and I loved it because it was freedom.
Who taught you to drive?
I won’t mention names as it was a bit naughty, but my friend had just got her licence and she taught me in her mum’s car without her mum knowing. She was a great teacher — not so sure on the driving side as the ink hadn’t dried on her licence yet, and yes I passed first time.
Most memorable road trip?
A very memorable one. An error in a street address entry into the GPS meant a lot of back roads, which was a great test for the sports mode and lowered suspension, but an extra couple of hours of driving. Fine for me, not so fine for passengers. I can’t say where it was, that’s just too embarrassing to tell.
What are three essential items for a road trip?
Music, sunshine, great company.
What would be your dream road trip overseas?
I would go to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, in a Maserati of course.
And your dream passenger?
Billy Brown (Nate on How to Get Away with Murder) in case the scenery outside wasn’t so good, at least it would be good inside.
What do you listen to when you drive?
Spotify — whether I listen to something cruisy or something upbeat comes down to the mood.
Favourite car movie or TV scene?
Anything with a fast car and great scenery.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
I haven’t had the time to do too much driving for leisure sadly, but I love the Matakana region. A great day would normally involve good food, a little good wine if driving and lots of laughing.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I am more likely to judge them by how they drive than what they drive.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
I’m known to be a little impatient, so slow drivers tend to irk me, particularly those who pull into the overtaking lane going only a couple of kilometres faster than the car they are overtaking, so that they just manage to overtake before it goes back to one lane, and then they leave everyone stuck behind them as they reduce their speed further.
If you could change one road rule, what would it be?
Maybe it would not be a good option for road safety, but increased speed limits would be nice.
And Auckland’s traffic?
It’s part of living in a city bigger than a village. Breathe, turn up the music, and deal with it.