Me & My Car: A lot on his plate

Donna McIntyre
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Mark Wilson of KiwiPlates with his 2010 Mercedes-Benz C280. Photo / Ted Baghurst

Mark Wilson of KiwiPlates with his 2010 Mercedes-Benz C280. Photo / Ted Baghurst

So you’re driving a black 2010 Mercedes-Benz C280?
I bought it second-hand a couple of years ago. It’s automatic, but has paddle shift for when I’m not stuck in Auckland traffic. I chose this car because I was looking for a combination of performance and comfort. The C280 has a V6 3-litre engine which is more than enough power, making for a smooth ride. But it’s also comfortable for commuting in Auckland traffic.

What do you like about it?
It drives really well and is exceptionally comfortable. It’s definitely not that great for taking the dogs to the beach.

Who else is allowed to drive your car?
My partner and family. I don’t really mind who drives it.

Manual or automatic; which do you prefer?
I prefer automatic. I spend a lot of time in traffic so it’s just easier.

Who taught you to drive?
My dad taught me when I was 15. I had actually bought my first car a couple of months before so I could sit my licence, which I did as soon as I was old enough.

Your most memorable road trip?
I lived in London for a few years and did a road trip around France following the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour. I was driving a vanload of mates around, and of course they insisted we do a few laps of the Arc de Triomphe when we arrived in Paris.

Do you have a favourite car scene from a movie or TV show?
I remember being captivated by the California Highway Patrol units chasing OJ Simpson in a white Ford Bronco for two hours through the rush-hour freeways of Southern California in 1994.

Do you have a favourite racing driver?
It would probably have to be Scott Dixon. I think what he’s achieved in the Indy Car Championship is impressive.

What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
North to one of New Zealand’s amazing beaches, such as Mangawhai, Langs or Waipu Cove.

What music do you listen to when you drive?
I listen to all sorts, that’s the beauty of having playlists, I guess.

And do you have a personalised plate?
I do, I’m a big fan of Steven Adams and the Oklahoma Thunder (NBA team) so my plate shows my support for Steve and the team. It reads OKC012 (Oklahoma Thunder, Steven Adams wears jersey No12)

As you’re in that line of business, what are three of the best plates you’ve come across?
I saw a plate on a black Jeep which I thought was quite funny, it was BAABAA (Baa Baa Black Jeep).
I also saw WAS HIS on a Porsche, I’m presuming that was the result of a divorce. Another one I saw recently was LOL OIL (you can probably guess, it was on a Tesla).

Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I would love to take public transport but in Auckland it is easier to drive.

And on that note ... Auckland’s traffic, how you could improve it?
More trains. I lived in London and didn’t use a car for years. I think Auckland needs an integrated rail/light rail network, including rail to the Shore. Also more ferries. I’ve often thought we should have more ferries in Auckland; it’s a great way to travel.

How do you feel about electric cars?
Electric cars are the way forward. I drove a Nissan Leaf round Pukekohe race track and was amazed how quiet and smooth it was.

And can you picture yourself in a driver-less car?
With the way technology is advancing, I can definitely see myself in a driver-less car at some point.