Tell us about your Mustang?
It’s a Mustang 5.0L V8 Fastback with Stage 2 Roush performance kit that I bought in October. It’s an auto and Ford calls the colour Magnetic, kind of like a gunmetal grey. I didn’t specifically choose an auto — I fell in love with the car and that’s just what it happened to be although, as it’s my everyday car, the auto does help with Auckland traffic. It has tiptronic paddles, so I do get to play with the gears, too.
How do you find its fuel consumption?
Fuel consumption is not great being a V8 but the enjoyment I get from driving her is well worth the extra hurt on the wallet.
And why the kit?
It came with the kit. I believe John Andrew imported it as standard then added the kit for a demo show. We looked at a couple of other V8 Mustangs but I was sold as soon as I saw it with the Roush upgrades. Sounds better, looks prettier — that’s all that counts, right?
Who else drives your Mustang?
Only the husband when I’m feeling generous, although I’ve had
a number of people try to convince me those rights should be extended to others. Being a passenger will have to suffice.
Is this your dream car?
Pretty much. I love the look of the Mustang and of course the sound of the V8 engine and the power. She doesn’t handle too great in the wet due to the rear-wheel drive but more than makes up for it in power and looks. She makes me happy every time I start her up.
What do you always keep in your Mustang?
Nothing really, I’m not a fan of clutter. As long as the iPhone’s connected for music, I’m happy.
First car you owned?
A red 1.3L Toyota Starlet. I loved it. It was a manual and super-light, so although it was only 1.3L, it went quick. I put in a ridiculous sound system, so driving it was always a good time.
You took the Mustang to this year’s Leadfoot festival?
It was awesome to see so many people from all walks of life
who clearly love cars. But the highlight for me was probably the drifting.
A couple of the Mustang drivers drifted them around the track and up a hill — it was amazing to watch. I also loved checking out the ridiculously expensive cars people brought along. There would have been a few million dollars’ worth of cars in the public car park alone.
What do you listen to when you’re driving?
One of my favourite bands is Tool but listening to them in the car can tend to promote angry driving.
I was a 90s kid so I listen to a lot of the 90s grunge bands. I also like listening to great NZ bands like Shapeshifter, Maala or Fat Freddy’s Drop on a beautiful summer day.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
I travel a bit for work and I do like the drive down to Tauranga through the Kaimai Ranges. I’ve driven it enough times to know the sweet spots. But, my go-to for a drive is usually just out to the Waitakeres and Piha. It’s a nice drive with a few fun bit, plus the end destination is amazing.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
No — I judge people by the way they drive but not the car they’re in.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I love driving, always have. I don’t remember the last time I caught a bus. I might be a slight germophobe because all those people coughing and sneezing everywhere doesn’t excite me.
And, working with technology, can you see yourself in a driverless car?
Absolutely. Driverless cars that are connected to traffic lights would be amazing and reduce traffic woes significantly. I think I’d still need a car we could have a bit of fun with, but a driverless car for getting to and from work — sure.