Women's Day Special: Owner Spotlight with Amanda
We caught up with Amanda and asked her a few questions about her experience as an owner of a great fleet of classic cars and renting them out on the BookAclassic platform.
- How did you develop your passion for classic cars?
Through my love of design per se. I love it all from architecture, furniture, fashion and very much influenced by my husband, who's the original petrol head. Also, modern cars have all the high tech bells and whistles, but they lack the individual style and personality that classic cars have in abundance; and thats alluring!
- What was your first classic car, and what made you choose it?
1980s Mercedes SL, 280 - I loved the TV series Hart to Hart and SL was one of their cars. I managed to also go on to be a journalist just like Jennifer Hart. I admired her character as a little girl. she was a modern, confident woman - and being married to Robert Wagner was really rather cool!
- Share a memorable experience or road trip you've had with your classic car.
Classic cars are just great for a road trip. We decided to take a Porsche 928 GT across UK out to France, to stretch its legs on those smooth winding roads and soak up the scenery. It was a fantastic road trip yet on our way home through the Sth France, the summer heat soared to 35 degrees, just as I turned the heater/ air control knob on the dash for more air, it broke off in my hands. With the windows down it made no difference, as the inside/ outside temperatures were matched beautifully creating a sweltering Turkish sauna-like cabin. We were now 'soaking up' the scenery more than we'd anticipated. So we pushed on to get home. In our haste to get to the Shuttle, we were pulled over by the French 'Gendarmerie' for apparently reaching 120mph (really? secretly rather impressed!) After paying the fine, the 928 wouldn't start. The starter motor had failed. So 5 (thankfully rather fit) French policemen, pushed us along, till the engine fired, and they cheered as we sped away ... nearly over the speed limit again! It certainly wasn't great at the time for sure, but we did laugh a lot throughout that trip, and a story we always have to tell. one of many that is!
- Were there any challenges that you have faced as a woman in the classic car community?
I've found the classic car community a very inclusive group. We all love the classic looks, sounds, and smells. It brings us together.
- How do you inspire and encourage other women who are interested in classic cars?
Classic cars are in the fabric of our history for many reasons. You dont have to own one to get started. There is a rich wonderful history you can study and in so many genres from pioneering manufacturing, political history to the more glamorous history of cars in Hollywood film and TV. And its social! There are so many events you can go to locally, across Europe, and meet a whole new group of people all around the world! And of course if you are looking to meet new people, there really is no better ice breaker than arriving in a classic car.
- What advice would you give to women who are considering getting into the world of classic cars?
I would encourage women to consider their strengths as a driver first and foremost. If you are buying your first classic, its less about the looks and more about the drive. Pre 1980s tend to take more effort to drive with heavier clutch changes, no wing mirrors, and some don't come with power steering; now that's a style of driving all on its own. But it's all manageable, its simply learning something new. Which is exciting! Challenging ourselves is growth. Pearls of Wisdom: Before you buy, the most important is learning to harness your passion and use your knowledge.
- Share an interesting or fun fact about classic cars that not many people may know.
The petrol cap on the Mercedes 3.5 280SE is behind the number plate!
- How do you celebrate Woman's Day as a classic car enthusiast?
The 3 P's = Polish (the car), Prep (outfit of the day for me) and Power (get out and drive)
- What are your future goals or aspirations in the classic car world?
Id love to create a classic car tv show - discovering what the car meant in history around the world.
- Is there anything else you would like to share about your journey as a woman in the classic car community?
Be prepared that the car might just be more interesting than you!
Thank you Amanda for sharing your story!
