What are you driving?
It’s a 2016 Ford Mustang 5.0L Fastback. We ordered it in February 2016 from Ford Motors in Christchurch. It took a while to get here as we had to wait for a production number but it finally arrived October 2016. The plan was to fly down and then drive the South Island over Christmas and then back to Auckland.
How do you describe the paintwork?
We customised the car. The green is the same as Chip Foose’s 65 Mustang Fastback on the show Overhaulin.
Manual or auto?
Auto.
Is this your first Mustang?
Yes, it is. The Mustang is a very cool car.
Why the Fastback?
It looks good on the road and drives really well. No extra as yet. It will soon to go to C&M Performance for an extra dose of horsepower.
How do you think your car fits your personality?
I like fast cars. I like to drive so this suits me well.
Is it easy to clean?
I get it valeted although that is more due to constantly running out of time. I’d be happy to care for it myself.
Who else is allowed to drive your Mustang?
Only my husband, Gordon.
What do you always have in your car?
$20 for gas/parking/coffee emergencies.
Do you own any other vehicles?
Yes I have a 98 Wrangler Jeep, and I ride a Harley Davidson Street 500.
First car you owned?
It was a black Cortina, a 68, I think. My grandmother bought it for me in 1978. I wish now I had kept it.
Your dream car?
This is it, although the Bentleys sports are very cool. But I’m really happy with the Mustang.
Favourite car colour?
White or black. The others look like lollipop colours.
Who taught you to drive?
My grandmother, who had no patience but always had the coolest cars.
Any tips for young drivers?
Don’t speed and, if you can’t see, don’t pull out. Don’t worry about the guy behind you.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I prefer a manual. I like putting a car through the gears.
Most memorable road trip?
LA to Vegas last year. It was fun being on their highways, pulling off to strange places. We drove a Navigator Lincoln and a Dodge Challenger, which broke down.
If you could go on a road trip anywhere in the world with any famous person …
The Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish to Whistler, in British Columbia with Al Pacino as I think he would be an incredible conversation companion.
Favourite movie car scene?
The chase scene from Gone in 60 Seconds with Nicolas Cage and the 67 Shelby Mustang GT 500.
And the song Mustang Sally … do people sing it to you with the words, Mustang Shelley?
Yeah, they do try on with Mustang Shelley.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I would rather be the driver.
What do you listen to in your car?
My mixed playlist, random music. I like RnB and Country … loud.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Hahei’s a good day out, with no traffic it’s a really good drive.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
No.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
That they forget to keep left. Too many drive straight out and sit there doing 40km/h.
Auckland City’s congestion … in one sentence, how can this be solved?
Public Transport. Trains, trams, buses, it’s simple.
You don’t have a special number plate?
I do like them, however, and I’ll probably get one later on.
Shelley Mitchell is lease administrator at AMP Capital