Tell us about your Fiat.
It is a Fiat 695 Biposto (meaning two seats). It is a race car for the road with a roll cage, no back seats, and nothing that adds extra weight. So no air con, no radio. And lots of carbon fibre. It is matt grey and one of only three in the country. I have had it for only
a few months; it was purchased from Winger Maserati.
Why the Biposto?
It is considered the world’s smallest supercar. We happened to be in Winger Maserati one day looking for a car for Stewart when we spotted this. Once we took it for a test drive, we had to have it. The noise, the handling and, of course, the colour are all superb. Stewart has owned a couple of Maseratis, so we are definitely fans of Italian cars.
How does it fit your personality?
It is unique but also practical; so I think it suits me perfectly.
And how does it fit your work?
It is perfect for around town and there is plenty of room in the back for shopping, etc.
Is this your first Fiat?
Previously I had a Fiat 500 Abarth. I had that for about five years and loved it.
Is it easy to park?
Wonderfully easy but it does have a poor turning circle due to the big wheels and racing set up.
Easy to clean?
It’s easy to clean, being small. Also the colour does not show the dirt, so it always looks good.
Who else drives your Biposto?
My husband Stewart. I think he loves it more than I do.
What do you keep in it?
Not a lot – it is hard to throw things in the back seat when there isn’t one.
First car?
My first car was a 1971 Mini – bought when I left school and was living in Christchurch. It was a great first car apart from having no heater, which was no fun in a freezing South Island winter.
Your dream car?
I always wanted a 1972 Porsche 911 but the Biposto is faster and undoubtedly more reliable.
Who started the interest in cars?
Stewart is the same, so we have had a lot of fun over the years with many different cars.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
With the Fiat, it has to be manual for the full driving experience.
Most memorable road trip?
Driving up to our holiday home in the Far North is my favourite drive, with beautiful winding roads and not too much traffic.
Favourite car scene from a movie?
Well, the funniest would have to be the scene in The Wolf of Wall Street when the Lamborghini is written off. For action scenes, the James Bond ones are hard to beat.
What do you listen to in your car?
Without a radio, it is just the noise of the car — which always makes me smile.
Great day trip out of Auckland?
Piha is always great fun on the twisting, tight roads.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I wouldn’t say judge, as cars are such a personal thing, but I always take interest in what people drive. It does say a lot about you.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
Red light runners and also people not indicating.
Auckland traffic?
If everyone drove Fiats, there would be a lot more room on the roads! Seriously though, public transport needs to be encouraged and made easy for people.
Personalised plates?
Definitely a fan – this Fiat has BPOSTO.