Most of my holidays used to be road trips with my parents. We could get almost anywhere by car. Later, racing games became part of the picture too, especially Need for Speed Underground 1 and 2.
I enjoy the shapes of cars and the engineering behind the sound of an engine. That combination of form and function appeals to me when designing software, too.
Mazda MX-5
Racing games and their tuning scene got me interested in Japanese sports cars. The MX-5 was an affordable way into that world: light, balanced and fun without needing much power. My first car was a used silver NC, and I still have fond memories of driving through the city at night with the roof down.
Audi A5
I’d always wanted an Audi. With uncertainty around a move and a new job, I chose a used black A5 Sportback with just the options I needed. More space and fewer of the MX-5’s everyday compromises made it a practical choice, but the front-wheel drive never gave me the same enjoyment. Looking back, it was sensible at the time, though a clear step down in driving fun.
Mustang GT
I wanted something more powerful that could build on the enjoyment of the MX-5. The RS3’s five-cylinder engine appealed to me, but I wanted more room. The RS5 looked the part, though its price and V6 sound didn’t win me over. The Mustang GT in Orange Fury felt right for both character and price. It was my first car bought new. I later added MB Design KV1 wheels and kept it for seven years, intending to keep it for good. The one choice I came to regret was the automatic transmission.
Mustang Dark Horse
The Dark Horse was a chance to get the Mustang closer to how I’d imagined it. Its manual Tremec gearbox was the main draw, and the GT’s strong resale value made the switch possible. With the right transmission, I’m now going ahead with the modifications I’d held back from before. I chose Molten Magenta, one of my favourite colours, and added matte PPF to make the look my own.