CANDICE CORBOY DRIVES A 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHELBY GT500 MUSTANG
Tell us about your car?
It is silver with blue stripes, left-hand drive, six-speed manual and number 461 of 1000 Shelby GT500KR Mustangs built at Shelby American in Las Vegas in 2008. When people see it for the first time I always say, “Do you like my Harley-Davidson?” I was getting geared up to get my motorcycle learner’s licence and my husband freaked out. He said: “What is it going to take for you to forget about getting your motorcycle licence? I need you alive for a lot longer.” I said, “A Mustang will do it.” I love the lines of these cars, and especially how they sound.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
My husband, Phillip, on rare occasions. I enjoy driving, you don’t see me as a passenger often.
Special number plate?
The number plate is the brainchild of Phillip, he chose the plate “REX RD”. The car is a Shelby GT500KR — KR meaning “King of the Road”, and in Latin “Rex” means “King”, hence “REX RD” — “King of the Road”. I am sure it has a few people scratching their heads.
What do you always have in your car?
Petrol, because it needs a lot!
Your first car?
A blue, manual, 1980s Japanese import Mitsubishi Lancer, with wing mirrors which looked like small hockey sticks. It came complete with a cassette player, and every time it went over 100km/h, it chimed.
Favourite car colour?
Black, even though it is one of the hardest colours to keep clean. Black looks sleek and sexy.
Who taught you to drive?
My mother tried but when I drove around corners on two wheels (in an old MK1 Ford Escort) she gave up and my dad took over. He was patient, relaxed, and he gave me the confidence and skills to drive any type of vehicle on any type of road. Did I pass the first time? Not the oral test, I was extremely nervous and anxious, and the local traffic officer made me even more nervous by tapping his pen on the table while he asked questions. I got it the second time. I nailed the practical driving test, though (with the same officer).
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I think driving a manual makes you more aware — you have to concentrate more.
If you could go anywhere with anyone in any car?
Melissa McCarthy, on USA Route 66 in a convertible — and pray for a run-in with law enforcement so she can have her say.
What do you listen to in your car?
The sound of the engine ...
Great day trip out of Auckland?
Head north through Warkworth, stop at Matakohe to look through the Kauri Museum. Then, through Dargaville on State Highway 12 to the Waipoua Forest to stretch our legs and see the great Tane Mahuta. Back into the car to drive through Opononi, pointing out Opo the dolphin and the sand dunes to the kids, then stopping for lunch at the Boatshed Cafe in Rawene. After lunch drive through to Kaikohe and Kawakawa, stopping at the Hundertwasser toilets, back through Whangarei and home to Auckland.
How do you keep your children happy on longer car trips?
My daughter, Zoe, is 14, and my son, Adam, is 11. When they were younger they slept a lot. As they got older they played on devices, or watched movies. Now, we tell them to get off their devices and look at the beautiful scenery.
Will you teach your kids to drive?
I can’t wait — bring it on!
What irritates you most about other drivers?
People who drive too close.
Your opinion on Auckland traffic?
One change I would love to make is to have very big signs on the sides of the lesser-used dual carriageways “keep left unless overtaking”. So many people travel side by side, oblivious to mounting traffic behind them. Frustrating!