Famous People and Their Love for Cars: A Trip Down Memory Lane
In 1984, Autocar magazine introduced a new column that allowed famous individuals from various fields to share their experiences with cars. The column provided readers with surprising and amusing insights into the motoring lives of these celebrities.
Rowan Atkinson, known for his role as Mr. Bean, was the first to be featured. Atkinson, who owned an Aston Martin Vantage at the time, described the car as “difficult to get to know,” but expressed his love for its British and old-fashioned charm.
Alexei Sayle, a comedian, chose a Rover P5 Coupé because of its British heritage and menacing appearance. He humorously dismissed Porsche as being “crap,” along with the people who drove them.
Nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow, tired of exotic cars, opted for a pink Fiat 500 Gamine for its cuteness factor, despite admitting that it was a challenging car to drive.
Murray Walker, a well-known Formula 1 commentator, had his eyes set on a Porsche 944 Turbo while driving his Vauxhall Astra GTE. He considered it a sporty alternative to a motorcycle on four wheels.
Ken Tyrrell, former manager of an F1 team, chose a Ford Granada Estate for its practicality. The spacious boot was ideal for airport runs with his team, and the car’s quietness allowed him to enjoy listening to Test Match Special.
David Steel, leader of the Liberal Party at the time, owned a 1961 Jaguar MkII. He enjoyed driving a car that was distinctive and easily recognizable by his constituents.
Novelist James Leasor had a taste for vintage cars, owning a rare Cord 810 roadster and an SS Jaguar 100 from the 1930s. He attributed his love for extravagant cars to his upbringing in an environment that was the opposite of luxury and extravagance.
Footballer Tony Cottee drove an Escort 1.6i Cabriolet, while rugby star Bill Beaumont opted for a Sierra XR 4×4. Both athletes valued the safety benefits of their cars, with Cottee also winning the Fiat Uno Young Player of the Year award.
Even Doctor Who himself, played by Peter Davidson at the time, had a preference for the Sierra 4×4. He praised its predictable handling, comparing it to his previous car, the iconic Audi Quattro.
John Peel, a popular radio DJ, had an affinity for unconventional vehicles. He was drawn to the UMM Transcat, described by a magazine as “possibly the ugliest vehicle ever,” which only piqued his interest further.
Popular pop star Gary Numan had a diverse collection of vehicles, including a Harvard warbird and a Ferrari boxer. However, he believed that “the only way to live” was in a Corvette, which he received as a gift to celebrate his first hit.
Phil Hill, the 1961 Formula 1 champion, had a collection of American cars but surprisingly did not own any Ferraris. He felt that driving a Ferrari in America would lead him to trouble with the law due to the car’s high performance capabilities.
Fashion designer Paul Smith impulsively purchased a Bristol 405, appreciating its well-thought-out design and unfussy lines. His love for minimalist aesthetics in both his car choices and clothing designs was evident.
Duncan Simpson, a former test pilot for military jets, had high standards for his cars. He found the Rover 827 SLi to be of excellent quality and comparable to foreign competition, highlighting the importance of quality control in British manufacturing.
Niki Lauda, a legendary Formula 1 driver and airline owner, owned a 560 SE Coupé. He praised its speed and power while expressing his disapproval of his British wife’s choice of a Range Rover, considering it an overpriced vehicle lacking modern features.
The feature concluded with Dame Edna Everage, a comedic character played by Barry Humphries. Dame Edna humorously described her BMW 325i as a sedate car that transformed into a demon when the accelerator was pressed.
These anecdotes from famous personalities offer a glimpse into their personal preferences when it comes to cars. From classic British models to unconventional choices, each individual had their unique reasons for selecting their vehicles. Despite the passage of time, these stories remain entertaining and provide insight into the motoring lives of the rich and famous.