The E30 model has a huge enthusiast following as they are easy and cheap for parts, easy to fix or modify and and arguably were the model range with the M3 that put BMW on the map. And, for a car that's well over 25 years old now, plenty are still on the road, which is testament to their good German engineering, durability and design.
As an architect, how important are aesthetics when you buy a car?
It's the sum of the whole package, and how it communicates to you when you are driving.
First car?
A 1952 Morris Minor 10hp side valve for $200. I drove it all around the North Island one Christmas. I could change the head gasket (the head was warped) in 20 minutes flat and used to carry spares in the car.
Your dream car ...
I don't really have one favourite.
Favourite car colour?
Black, of course.
Who taught you to drive?
My mum, initially, in our driveway at home but I went to a driving school to finish off and to stop arguments. I was 15 when I got my car licence in New Plymouth - all you needed was to drive round the block in those days with the local cop.
Manual or automatic?
I prefer manual. You have better control of the car in adverse weather or bad road conditions. It's better economy if you're prudent, and there's less to go wrong.
Most memorable road trip?
In New Zealand - in the E30 one hot summer driving up to Whangaroa, Northland, in the bright sun to go game fishing for five days. The car was fully loaded with a bunch of mates and all our gear. All the windows were down and the sunroof was open, music on loud - magic.
Overseas, it would have to be when I drove a BMW from Munich, Germany, up and over the Fernpass and down into Chiavenna, Italy, one evening. Much to the amazement of the locals at the summit pub we dropped into for dinner. They didn't believe we had made the trip as we weren't locals, had no chains and the road was iced up and slippery with big drop offs. We were wondering why we hadn't seen anyone else!
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I like getting driven around when the odd occasion allows it.
What do you listen to in your car?
CDs and bFM.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
Lack of consideration for other road users, not knowing basic road rules and those who text while driving.
Would you rather drive in Auckland or take public transport?
I'd love to use public transport more but my work doesn't fit with this.
Who else is allowed to drive your car?
Anyone with a current licence.
Cyclists and cars ... is there room for both?
I don't believe so in Auckland City. With more of both coming on to the roads they need to be separated.
As told to Donna McIntyre
