Ford Sierra, Nissan Almera, Ford Focus Mk2, Audi TT quattro Sport
Currently owned: BMW E39 M5, Ford Focus Mk1
"Jaguar X351 XJL, BMW 730d, BMW 760iL, Honda Legend, Caterham Superlight, Ginetta G4, Ginetta G50, Porsche 997 C2, Maserati Gran Turismo, TVR Cerbera, TVR T350C.
"I did initially yearn for noise, character and presence (TVR), but in the end, via many weird and wonderful combinations, I settled on fulfilling four key motoring needs: waft, weekend warrior, winter workhorse, and woman's wheels..."
Porsche Panamera 4S
"Waft. As I have been discovering, there's nothing quite like a V8 barge to crush long motorway slogs with disdain, and the Panamera has long held my affection as the perfect tool for getting from A to B in comfort. It was hard to ignore the XJL Supersport, which has arguably more class and unarguably better styling, but a Panamera is a rare sight, and I prefer the driving position and dashboard of the German machine. This particular car has a beautiful scheme inside (shown on the dealer's own website), and doesn't have small sidewalls and big wheels (a mere 19-inch, ahem). I did consider the diesel for the much better range, but I'd sorely miss an eight cylinder soundtrack."
Toyota Hilux D4D
"Winter Workhorse. This smart, one-owner Hilux offers enormous breadth and depth of capability, taking on all the jobs, and it can tackle the worst of any winter. A far more presentable choice than many an L200; it won't look out of place at a building site or in the Goodwood paddock. A relative has a similar Hilux and it has been faultless in over seven years of hard service, and it tows large loads with ease. This one has a hardtop and towball already fitted, which will be very handy because it will be pulling a trailer with this:"
Ginetta G40R
"Weekend Warrior. Ever since I first laid eyes on it, I've fancied the pretty little G40R. It's a track toy that ticks all the boxes - light so it won't eat tyres and brakes; excellent chassis, dependable mechanicals, and yet could be enjoyed on the road at the weekend. Just that bit more usable for year-round track work than the obvious choice of a Caterham. This car also offers plenty of potential for stepping up from track days into racing. In fact I did consider a G50 GT4 I stumbled across in the classifieds, but that would be an accident waiting to happen - we must learn to walk before we run."
Mazda MX-5
"Woman's Wheels. OK, that's a bit of a lie - I had to include a convertible, and the reliable thrills of an MX-5 are very hard to beat. There's nothing quite like the stress-free bliss that comes from a cheap, reliable sports car. The other half may find the keys missing quite often. This example looks well cared for, there's a year's MoT as well and it even has a hard-top. The 2.0 engine gives plenty of punch and offers an extra gear ratio over the 1.8. I'd prefer it in Copper Red but the colour is less important than the condition."
"The remaining balance goes on a trailer for the Ginetta, and if there's anything left after that, some tuition with Don Palmer."