cars

#To all the cars I've loved before#

Being relatively late to driving (I passed my test in 2000), I've had just three cars (and one on extended loan).

Here's a quick pictoral record the first two...

Click on an image to see the full size version (opens in a pop-up window).

MG ZR-160

Vroom!
He was a lean, mean, driving machine and SO MUCH FUN!

October 2001

After rather enjoyable 9 test-drives of various cars, I wasn't expecting to be left grinning like a loon after test-driving a ZR.

It gave utter driving pleasure, had a great price and looked so pretty. I knew then that I had to have one.

Who would have thought that the humble Rover 25 could be made over so well?

The styling had so many details, like the heat shield round the twin exhaust (only on the 160).

Single? No children?

You'll be wanting the 3 door model. If you want more doors, get the ZT ;-)

I don't have him anymore, circumstances got beyond me, but I still check the number plate when see one go past...

Fiat Tipo DGT

Chugga, chugga!
She was slow, but endearing :-)

December 2000

She had the electronic "Knight Rider" style instruments. All whizzy backlight LCDs.

Of course, for FIATs of this era, the electronics didn't all work...

One of the "joys" of driving her, was the turbo lag.

It could be used to great effect when someone was tailgating, just put your foot down and pump out a cloud of soot when the turbo kicks in.

Have I mentionned the dodgy electrics? The central locking didn't work properly either.

If you ever locked the tailgate with the key, the only way to get it open again was to pull off the internal panels and reset the locking arm. So secure!