Old people and hot hatches

[Alex]

I'm now 51 and drive an FK8 Civic type R. Wicked, innit!

Alex said:

I'm 48 and drive a BRZ. Before that I had an Integra Type-R and an Impreza P1 (when I was 45). I've just ordered a Golf R Estate (which I suppose is an old man's hot "hatch").

[mr_fibuli]

carinaman said:

LotusOmega375D said:

I took my 75 year-old Dad to the Fiat dealer on Saturday. We test-drove a brand new Abarth 595 and he bought it there and then.

Update?

My step dad is 73 and drives an Abarth 595 - mainly as it is auto and my Mum likes the look of it (having suffered a succession of Fiat 126s in the early 90s).

[kuiper]

Bloke in front of me getting fuel this morning.

3 year old Focus ST in gleaming blue, car was immaculate. I did have a chortle as it had stick on ST badges on virtually every panel and even the door handles had vinyl 'FORD RACING ST' stickers on them all.

Bloke goes to get out, swings his legs out brandishing smart black shoes, then has to get his arm up on the roof of the car to help him lever his way out of the Recaros. Some time later he manages to emerge in smart trousers, white shirt and vest underneath, clearly knocking on for 70+.

Stickers were naff as but I did think 'good on you mate'.

[matchmaker]

61 now and still driving a remapped Octavia vRS. Both ageing disgracefully...really pisses off my 52 year old missus when I race someone

[Highway Star]

Limpet said:

One evening way back in the late 90s, I was heading out of Uxbridge towards the M4 on the Stockley bypass when a green TVR Cerbera came barreling onto the roundabout from the opposite direction, held a beautiful drift for half a lap, and made a fast exit back the way it had come, leaving a couple of squiggly black lines as it did so.

I caught it up at the next set of lights where it was in a queue to turn left. As I passed, I looked across, and behind the wheel was a lady I would estimate at 60-something, wearing a tweed sporting jacket and black leather driving gloves.

It still makes me smile to this day. She was a hell of a driver.

Edited by Limpet on Wednesday 19th June 10:30

Likewise a couple of years ago on derestricted autobahn in western Germany, I was travelling at a steady 120 mph and keeping right other than overtaking when I saw a new RS6 quickly getting bigger in my rear view. As it flashed past like I was standing still, I glimpsed the driver was an elderly grey haired lady of perhaps 70 who could barely see above the wheel!

[toon10]

Bloke I work with is 56. Think he passed his test about 40 mind but his history is:

Civic Type R
Clio Sport
Corsa VXR
and currently Fiesta ST.

[DickyC]

Speaking as one of the elder statesman, may I enquire when younger members assume old age, incompetence, boring cars and slow driving begins?

[Daston]

My Dad is 70 next year and currently waiting for the Mk4 Focus ST's to come out.

[Gojira]

DickyC said:

Speaking as one of the elder statesman, may I enquire when younger members assume old age, incompetence, boring cars and slow driving begins?

I -think- it goes something like this - anyone who left school before me is ancient, and anyone who left school after me is a kid...

Me, I left school the year of Liz's Jubilee - the Silver one

My approach is growing old is compulsory, growing up is optional!

[Drew106]

imclueless said:

Nearly 63 Mclaren 720s on the horizon

Ah yes, the McLaren 720s is a hell of a Hot Hatch

[Squadrone Rosso]

DickyC said:

Speaking as one of the elder statesman, may I enquire when younger members assume old age, incompetence, boring cars and slow driving begins?

Brilliant question! For me (at the tender age of 49), riddled with PSA arthritis & a knackered back. Right hip on the way out too.

The 595 may not be the right choice but the Sabelt seats are fantastic for me.

Lack of flexibility is the only thing holding me back from a 4C.

I use my wife’s C-HR when I’m really struggling.

[oceanview]

Limpet said:

One evening way back in the late 90s, I was heading out of Uxbridge towards the M4 on the Stockley bypass when a green TVR Cerbera came barreling onto the roundabout from the opposite direction, held a beautiful drift for half a lap, and made a fast exit back the way it had come, leaving a couple of squiggly black lines as it did so.

I caught it up at the next set of lights where it was in a queue to turn left. As I passed, I looked across, and behind the wheel was a lady I would estimate at 60-something, wearing a tweed sporting jacket and black leather driving gloves.

It still makes me smile to this day. She was a hell of a driver.

Edited by Limpet on Wednesday 19th June 10:30

Yes, Vicki Butler-Henderson loves getting out the back-end!

[bigsmoke79]

Hi All,

I'm a newbie just signed up! great website and forums and this topic relates alittle to me, I'm 39 and just purchased a Astra GTC VXR and I'm getting the 'mid life crisis' remarks haha! I wanted one for years so now I'm able to afford and run one I bought it 6 months ago and love it!

I'm a bit sad that 3 door hot hatches are kinda disappearing for SUVs and 5 door versions

[JamesRR]

Highway Star said:

Likewise a couple of years ago on derestricted autobahn in western Germany, I was travelling at a steady 120 mph and keeping right other than overtaking when I saw a new RS6 quickly getting bigger in my rear view. As it flashed past like I was standing still, I glimpsed the driver was an elderly grey haired lady of perhaps 70 who could barely see above the wheel!

There’s an older lady who I would say is in her 70s who sometimes parks opposite my work when she comes into town, in her C7 RS6! Would love to know if she ever gives it any shoe.

[coppice]

Love the patronising tone of some posts , expressing amazement that any old people (y'know- those over 45 ) can still drive at all , let alone drive something quick. The other week I was chatting to a guy who is late 70s , or more , and happily speed hillclimbing his race tuned TR6- and very effectively . He was driving a single seater Brabham when I first encountered him , when I was still at school - and I'm retired now .

[Chubbyross]

51 and drive a 911 turbo cabriolet. Sun out, roof down, baseball cap on head to protect my thinning hair. Do I look a knob? Probably. Do I care? Not a jot.

[ess]

I'm still at the crease, into my half century, but still have this in the fleet.
Saville Row suits though and an old XJ for visits to mother

S

[DickyC]

Fifty? I think the OP meant OAP.

OAPs who then post to establish their boy racer credentials.

I did.

[RegMolehusband]

Please could people aged 30-60 stop posting on this thread. You're actually not old

I don't think I'm particularly old at 65 but until recently drove a 500bhp/tonne competition Caterham but now (mostly) bimble around in a 500bhp Jaguar XFR.

[RDMcG]

RegMolehusband said:

Please could people aged 30-60 stop posting on this thread. You're actually not old

I don't think I'm particularly old at 65 but until recently drove a 500bhp/tonne competition Caterham but now (mostly) bimble around in a 500bhp Jaguar XFR.

Good man !