KYM NIBLOCK IS CEO OF LIGHTBOX
What do you drive?
A Mini Cooper S 2000cc turbo in moonwalk metallic grey, with a black roof. It has a sports transmission so it can be auto or sports. I love my Mini for zipping around Auckland traffic and parking is always a breeze. It feels like a luxury car when driving; like something European.
Who else is allowed to drive your Mini?
My husband also drives the car and he resets everything when he drives it and it makes me crazy. He has a BMW 5 Series, which I also drive at times (and I reset all his settings).
First car?
A 1978 Mini Cooper. It was sky-blue with white go-faster stripes and tinted windows. I think the stereo was worth more than the whole car. My Mum helped me buy it so that I didn’t keep borrowing her new Ford. I had to pay her back for my car over several years. I just fell in love with it.
Your dream car …
My all-time favourite car that I’ve owned was my convertible Series 1 BMW, in ice-white with a black roof. My dream car with no restraints would be a GranCabrio Maserati.
Who taught you to drive?
My Mum initially, when I turned 16, but then she bought me lessons from the AA as we clashed a bit. The AA instructors were fab and patient. I passed my theory and practical first time.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
Auto for city driving, but I do like a good growly car and a manual transmission for driving in English country lanes or the Riviera with the roof down.
If you could go anywhere in the world, in any car, with any celebrity …
With English comedian, Peter Kay, in an episode of Car Pool. It’s a funny TV show that hasn’t been on here yet but you can see it on YouTube. I don’t remember what car it is but I laughed myself silly, so meeting his character in real life would be great. Or with James Dean in his 1950s Porsche ... just without the same ending.
Do you see yourself buying a driverless car?
Absolutely! I’d be one of the first to buy one. And I love all manner of gadgets in cars, I once bought a BMW because it had a sensor windscreen and turned the wipers on by itself when it rained.
Favourite movie car scene?
Bourne Identity and the Mini, of course.
What do you listen to in your car?
My iPhone, I have an extensive music collection so that can be anything from 1980s pop to classical, depending on my mood. Usually, it’s to get me pumped for the day ahead or relax me before I get home.
What is your take on Auckland’s traffic issues?
I’ve spent most of my life in big cities: Sydney, London and New York. I love that I can drive pretty much anywhere in Auckland.