Austin A35 Van (1962)

This A35 Van belonged to my father in the 1960s.

It had:

  • 948cc, 34bhp, petrol engine

  • 4-speed manual transmission

  • leaf spring rear suspension

  • trafficators for signalling

  • interesting handling.

Nissan Bluebird (1989)

This Bluebird took us to 5 countries in 1 day.

It had:

  • 2.0-litre, 115bhp, petrol engine

  • 5-speed manual transmission

  • four electric windows

  • central locking

  • space age feel (or so I thought in 1989).

Datsun Sunny (1981)

This Sunny was my first car and the engine cut out - frequently!

It had:

  • 1.2-litre, 52bhp, petrol engine

  • 4-speed manual transmission

  • AM radio with a single speaker

  • rust

  • more rust.

Hillman Minx (1961)

This Minx looked stunning but was a bad purchase.

It had:

  • 1.5-litre, 54bhp, petrol engine

  • big end issues

  • rattly front spotlight

  • horrendous reliability

  • ability to empty bank accounts.

Hillman Avenger (1970)

Our Avenger was bottom of the range, so it had a basic specification.

It had:

  • 1.5-litre, 63bhp, petrol engine

  • 2-speed blower motor

  • coat hook

  • sun visors

  • door trim up to the windows (fancy).

Jaguar XJR (1998)

This XJR was a pain because it got too much attention.

It had:

  • 4.0-litre, 370bhp, supercharged petrol engine

  • 5-speed automatic transmission

  • ivory leather seats

  • good turning circle for its size

  • alarming running costs.

Ford Fiesta (1982)

This Fiesta was my grandfather’s final car.

It had:

  • 1.0-litre, 45bhp, petrol engine

  • 4-speed manual transmission

  • collapsible steering column

  • front disc brakes

  • clock (which was always wrong).

Vauxhall Corsa (1998)

Mrs CarSpyTV owned this car when we met.

It had:

  • 1.0-litre, 54bhp, petrol engine

  • 5-speed manual transmission

  • faded red paint

  • mismatched door cards

  • excellent reliability.

Saab 9-3 (2008)

This 9-3 wasn’t my car, but I drove it from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

It had:

  • 1.9-litre, 150bhp, diesel engine

  • 6-speed automatic transmission

  • fiddly cruise control buttons

  • decent fuel economy for its time

  • many more miles when I gave it back.

Bond Minicar (1961)

This Minicar had terrible brakes so it ‘taught my father anticipation'.

It had:

  • 247cc, 12bhp, petrol engine

  • 1 cylinder

  • 3 wheels

  • cable operated brakes

  • no reverse gear.