Open top at last

Twenty-three years ago, after I first got my driving license, I wanted to buy an open-top sports car. I was only eighteen and was, rightfully so, talked out of it.

Instead I bought a Ford Escort which I loved at the time and then over the years I owned several different cars: a Mitsubishi Galant, a Vauxhall Viva, an Opel Manta, an Isuzu Trooper, a Pontiac Transsport and an Opel Astra estate. All were good cars but were all bought for practical reasons. I needed something to cart children, shopping and the kitchen sink around in.

Last year, when my Astra was slowly dying on me I was looking around for something I could afford and to my liking when I came across this little 1997 red open-top Fiat Barchetta. Of course my first reaction was how impractical could I get, with five children in the house but Albert had renewed his company car last year and had ordered a seven-seater Seat Alhambra to cater for all the children, which I am able to use if needs be. After deliberating for a quite a while I decided I had waited long enough and would now take the opportunity to drive a sports car before I'm too old for it.

It's not often that we get the chance to have an open-top drive but when we do it's terrific fun - if somewhat destructive to the hair style!
It might look snazzy but actually it's quite old and quaint, and not at all in the league of Porsche or Lamborghini, but I certainly don't mind that.

There are people around who don't think so highly of that fact that I bought this car, but it's lovely to drive and I will enjoy it as long as I can.