Christoph Schumacher is a Professor of Innovation and Economics at Massey University and drives a Ferrari 308GTB.
What are you driving?
It is a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB lightweight edition. The car is red and manual. I bought it nine years ago from a car importer and it came from the UK.
Why did you buy this car?
I always liked the shape of the 308 and still think it is the most balanced looking car Ferrari made. Already, as a kid, I had little models of the 308 and I watched Magnum PI only because it had a 308 in it. The show has a 308 GTS which is open top, but I prefer the look of the closed top car which is the GTB.
Is this your everyday drive?
It is not my everyday drive but, depending on weather, I drive it maybe every second week.
What do you like about it?
As mentioned, I really like the way the car looks. There is no bad angle. Front, side and rear view are all good and it drives even better than it looks. I enjoy that there are no electronic helpers. You have to drive the car yourself. There is no power steering, so you are directly connected to the road. (But parking is a nightmare). It has a heavy clutch and gearbox, so it is best not to get into traffic. There is no electronic stabilising system. If you go to fast into a corner, you first feel the oversteer before you rear breaks out. Be a bit too aggressive in wet conditions and the wheels spin and you slide. No ABS either. So overall driving is engaging and fun.
Do you think you’ll ever sell it?
I have no intention to sell the car. I am still excited about driving a 308 GTB and am enjoying the car way too much.
Who else has driven your Ferrari?
My friends have driven the car — with me in the passenger seat.
What other vehicles are in your garage?
A Porsche 911 Turbo and a Golf station wagon.
How does this vehicle suit your personality?
Well given my family name and that my family on my father’s side is from the same town as Michael Schumacher, I think it is a good choice.
Have you ever taken it on a track?
No, I haven’t taken this specific car to the track. Too worried that the car won’t survive.
How often do you clean it?
Hmmmm, I probably don’t clean it as often as I should. I have never had the car valeted, but clean it myself. The car is coated with a nano technology layer so it doesn’t get very dirty.
Manual or automatic cars, which do you prefer?
Manual every time.
Who started your interest in cars?
I don’t really know. I always had an interest in cars. Even as a little boy I used to know all the car labels and look and read about cars and started watching Formula 1.
What was your first car?
My first car was a 1970 Mercedes Benz S-class 450 SE. I got it from my Dad as a hand-down. It was yellow and called “Banana”. Apparently yellow was a very “in” colour in the 70s. Not so much so in 1989 when I got the car. But it was a great car, fantastic to drive. I loved it.
Any vehicles you have regretted selling?
Yes, my Porsche 928 S4. Unfortunately, there was no more room in the garage. I was extremely sad when I sold that car.
Your most memorable road trip in this vehicle?
There isn’t one single trip that stands out. I often go for drives with one of my sons, which is always fun. I have also done charity/fundraiser runs where I have picked up kids from home and dropped them off at school. That’s always great when you see the big smiles.
Do you have a favourite car scene from a movie?
Not really but I like movies with nice cars in them. Gone in 60 Seconds is great if you like cars, especially if you like classic Mustangs.
What’s a great day trip out of Auckland?
Road trips are always great. I like going north in the direction of Paihia. Some really great roads and easy-to-find nice restaurants on the way. South to Hampton Downs is also a good idea. Not because of the roads that get you there, but the race track is fun. I have been there many times, on the track and watching races.
What do you listen to when you drive?
No music — you really want to listen to that great sound the engine makes. Also, there are some practical reasons. Ventilation in the car is not great — as Jeremy Clarkson said air conditioning in a classic Ferrari is like someone with breathing problems blowing at you through a straw. So, the windows must be down which means you don’t hear anything else but the engine.
How do you feel about electric and driverless cars?
I would own an electric car but would find it a bit boring travelling in a driverless car. I like driving. Electric cars have come a long way although I am not sure they are the answer to our finite oil supply issue.
