You’re driving an automatic 1974 Ford Mustang Cobra?
Yes it’s been four years since I bought it from a mate who bought it from Hamilton.
Why this Cobra?
I like American muscles, especially Mustangs. I got it for $12,000, it was a pretty good deal, I have given it a paint job and fixed the radiator, there was a leak in there, and I fixed a hole in the fuel tank. It needs some more work but the outside looks nice.
How does it handle?
It’s easy to drive. It’s a V8 and it has that beautiful V8 sound.
How do you think your car fits your personality?
Because I am a classic man.
Is it just for road use or have you raced it?
It’s just for cruising in.
How often do you clean your car?
I get it groomed and polished once a fortnight.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
Just me and my wife, Celia.
Do you own any other vehicles?
I have a Jeep Commander as well, that’s what I use every day, I keep the classic one for Sunday drives, taking the kids around ... and when I play for the Ponies.
What was the first car you owned?
A Ford Mondeo, that was back in 2006. It took me from A to B and then to Z.
Your dream car ...
It would be a Ford Shelby Mustang, like the one they call Eleanor.
Favourite car colour?
I like the colour grey but I have no idea why.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad and then my older brother but then I got used to driving myself. They tried to teach me but I couldn’t really get that groove. I got my first licence when I was probably 19. I had my learner’s, and then six years later I got my full licence. I was too lazy to get my full licence before that.
Any tips for young drivers?
Don’t speed.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
Manual, it’s what you can do with a manual. It makes you feel like you are really driving a car.
Most memorable road trip?
The furthest I have been in this car was to Whangarei. That was with the kids, me and my wife and two kids, but we have four kids now. It was a good drive.
If you could go on a road trip anywhere in the world with any famous person …
It would probably be with Arnold (Schwarzenegger) in a classic car, any Ford Mustang, to drive around one of the Pacific islands.
Do you have a favourite movie car scene?
Gone in Sixty Seconds with the Shelby Mustang and Nicolas Cage. I’ve seen one in New Zealand, I don’t know who owned it but it came next to the Cobra and made my Cobra look like a little baby. I fell in love!
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
Driving, being in control.
What do you listen to in the car?
Easy listening, like the Eagles.
What’s a great day trip?
Any of the beaches on the North Shore and Whangaparaoa — Army Bay, Long Bay — have a picnic, take the kids for a swim.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I don’t think I judge people in general.
What annoys you most about other drivers?
The drivers who don’t know how to drive, they cut you off, or they don’t see you. And speedsters.