What was your first car and why did you buy it? My first car was a bright yellow Spitfire. I called her Mimosa! It was at least 10 years old but it looked the business!
Did you know how to drive when you bought it, or did you learn to drive in it? My family would say I am still learning! When I bought it I had no idea how to start the engine, but I learned fast thanks to a very patient man in the driving school.
What advice did you get when you were looking for a car? My father said to get something that did not use much petrol - as you can see I ignored this advice.
What did you pay for it and what impact did running a car have on your pocket? I think it was about £1,000. In those days I was blissfully unaware of any impact.
Was it hard to get insurance? Yes. They mustn't have liked the colour!
How reliable was it? Consistently totally unreliable. I remember one day driving down Grafton Street at 6 p.m. (pre-pedestrianisation) when it stalled yet again and there was a traffic jam. Finally, a few exasperated drivers behind me came and pushed it up on to the footpath - thankfully in front of BTs.
How did it change your life? Independence, mobility and I got to meet a lot of interesting new people.
What was the longest trip you ever took in the car? Blessington.
What was your best memory or most memorable moment in the car? Once when I was driving down Merrion Row in peak traffic Mimosa stalled again and the car behind bumped into me. When I got out of my car the driver was already looking very perplexed. He asked me politely: "Which dent do you think is mine"?
What was your worst memory associated with the car? When I sold it. However, the guy who bought it was really nice and I knew Mimosa would be in good hands.
How long did you keep your first car and why did you decide to get rid of it for another? I had it about seven or eight years. I only got rid of it when my baby was born.
Did you sell it on for a better deal? I sold it for about £400.