In her own words – my wife’s favourite cars
I’m not a ‘natural’ car lover. Nor do I naturally have ‘good taste’ in cars (I am mortified to say that I once owned a pink VW Convertible – don’t judge me. I was young.)
I also wouldn’t consider myself an expert on cars. However, thanks to many decades living with Mr Car O’Clock, I have a slightly above-average general knowledge regarding cars.
So when my hubby started to ask friends to write their Top Ten List, I demanded my say (as I usually do). Seven of these are definites – the other three I could be convinced to change my mind.
Here are my choices, in no particular order.
- Alfa Romeo SZ, circa 1989/90. Yes, I’m one of the weirdos who love Il Mostro. When this car came out, it divided Alfa fans. Like Vegemite or Marmite, you either love it or hate it.
- Dodge Ram. It must be my North American roots – I’ve always loved pickup trucks, the bigger the better. Once my sensible elderly mother confessed that she’d always wanted a truck, so I obviously take after her. (My father’s late-life crisis was a 1990s Camaro. It was an entirely inappropriate car for him, and I suspect the truck would’ve been the same for my mum).
- Citroen CX. Hubby and I have had a few Citroens (he had many more pre-me). I loved the CX we had – the luxurious interior, the seats so comfortable it was like sitting in a living room. It felt exotic yet practical, and I still can’t remember why we sold it. Most likely Mr Car O’Clock was onto his next phase.
- Fiat Abarth. We had a little Abarth until recently. I loved it. It had to make way for the new Mustang GT that had arrived after a two-year wait. I’d have the Abarth back again in a heartbeat.
- Jeep Wrangler. I couldn’t decide between this and a Cherokee. I don’t mean the recent ones: rather, the late 90s version. Yes, I know they drive like a badly made truck, but I love the simplicity of these. Best of all, I could park it anywhere without giving it a second thought. Dents? They just add character.
- Citroen 2CV. Never owned one, but I share my husband’s enthusiasm for the deux chevaux. I can’t decide whether it would be a Dolly or a Charleston. Quite frankly, any of them.
- Honda NSX. The original version. I was a huge Ayrton Senna fan, but his involvement in the design of this doesn’t have anything to do with it being on my list.
- Lancia Fulvia Coupe. Hubby introduced me to old Lancias. We once owned the swoopier Fulvia Zagato, but I’ve always wanted the Coupe version as my own. I was very excited when it appeared Lancia would be reintroducing them, but it was not to be.
- Aston Martin DBS V8. Apparently, my list needs a grand tourer. I’ve always loved this late 70s car, and while it’s definitely on my top twenty, the GT requirement has moved it up my list.
- Range Rover Sport. I guess I should have a new, practical vehicle on my list. This will do.