"Our team fondly reminisced about our first vehicles, expressing deep affection, and felt a sense of loss upon their eventual demise – joining the fleet in the celestial scrapheap."
In the world of automotive journalism, the paths to success are as diverse as the vehicles we report on. Here's a peek into the personal journeys of some of our esteemed editors, as they share tales of their first cars.
Mark Hedges, our platform's Editor, inherited a rusty Mini from a maiden aunt. This trusty steed was his companion on six-hour journeys to Durham University, and it was never without his border terrier. Despite its aged condition and lack of a radio, the Mini was a faithful companion.
Tom Parker Bowles, food writer and critic, found solace in a fifth-hand 1985 Nissan Cherry. This white vehicle boasted electric windows, a working cigarette lighter, a tape player, and a sunroof that, unfortunately, refused to open. Top speed was a modest 71mph, but for Tom, it was a reliable chariot.
Kate Green's red Renault 4, affectionately named Gertie, was a bit of a handful. With a fiddly right-angled gear stick and a history of mishaps, including jammed accelerators and groundings in heather, Gertie was a character in her own right. Yet, she managed to play 'Come on Eileen' on a somewhat crackly radio, adding a touch of joy to the journey.
Marni, Rosie Paterson's car, was affectionately known as 'The Lawnmower'. This Peugeot 107 survived numerous accidents and incidents, earning its nickname with its humble but resilient performance. Rosie shared Marni with her younger brother when he became road legal.
The Austin Metro, a common sight on the roads, was not without its quirks. With four gears, no power steering, and a difficult parallel parking mechanism, it was a challenge to manoeuvre. Add to that the absence of central locking and a key for the door, and you had a vehicle that demanded your full attention.
Sophia Money-Coutts' Fiat 500 met an untimely end in a car accident, requiring repairs. Paula Lester's metallic denim-blue VW Golf was a frequent visitor to the breakdown service, and its mileometer only worked when it was cold.
Lucy Ford borrowed a navy-blue Austin Metro from her Nana. The choke was over-relied on, making for a smoky start, but it was a reliable vehicle nonetheless.
Tiff Needell, racing driver and television presenter, bought a Morris 1000 Traveller in 1970 for £75. The vehicle was in a state of disrepair, with rotting moss in the woodwork and a rusting chassis. The front suspension collapsed under the strain of towing his first racing car.
Victoria Marston's bright-red Peugeot 106, named Lovebug, was her companion on country lanes and the backdrop for many a Kylie Minogue sing-along. Lovebug was scratched in a shopping trolley incident and bounced off a fence, but it continued to serve Victoria faithfully.
Lastly, Levison Wood, explorer, writer, and photographer, drove a silver Audi A4 1.9 TDi around 2005. This vehicle had torn leather seats, questionable radio reception, and an unparalleled ability to guzzle diesel. Despite these quirks, it was a reliable companion for Wood's adventures.
As we delve into the digital edition of the platform "Car-Editors", we find articles about first cars, but the author remains a mystery. While the author's identity is yet to be confirmed, the stories of these editors' first cars serve as a testament to the enduring charm of the automobiles that shaped their early journeys.
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