My Top Ten Cars by Mrs Car O’Clock

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.

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Range Rover Sport. I guess I should have a new, practical vehicle on my list. This will do.