There is nothing like buying your first sports car, from the first moment you get behind the wheel to when you look out your window and see it outside tempting you to get back in and take it for a spin.
I picked up my first sports car about 4 years ago after seeing it advertised on Gumtree, I drove to the Scottish borders to see it and knew instantly I had to have it, the only thing standing in the way was the price tag.
I knew exactly what car I wanted, I had been in Edinburgh’s trendy Stockbridge and seen an old MX5 driving around with the roof off, the owner looked to be having more fun than I’ve ever had and I knew I had to get one. I had been looking for well over a year before I found this advert.
On the first trip to see the car I didn’t buy it, just looked around and went for a test run, it was brilliant fun to drive but I had to think about it. Then a week later, I was driving to Amsterdam and getting the Ferry with my Dutch girlfriend, and on the way, we arranged to have another look at the car.
I had to have it this time, and we came up with an arrangement where I would buy the car on my return to the UK. A few weeks later and I was on my way to collect it.
Getting The Keys
The car was waiting for me with the keys hidden under the seat with the doors unlocked. These were the Scottish borders, where crime is very low. She was sitting there, still covered in hay from the previous owner’s barn, dirt and dust. But despite smelling like a farmers tractor, she ran like a dream.
The drive up with the road was incredible, I took the roof off and despite not being the fastest car, it was incredible fun to drive on those curved country roads. By the time I got home, I was in love with this car.
Never-Ending Fun
It’s often the case that you get bored with your toys, and before long feel the need to get something different. Well, this wasn’t a problem with owning an MX5. Every day I would look forward to getting out in that car and carving my way through the Scottish roads, often just thinking of excuses to find places to go so I could take the car for a drive.
Every time I got out in that car, I was in heaven.
Reality Check
When I got the car it was in great condition, it had been well maintained in a barn and only used for golf trips. But, within no time on the roads and being stored outside it started to rust.
Over the Scottish winter, the car began to rot underneath, and after getting an inspection and quotes, I decided it was time to sell. It was a controversial decision and one which to this day I’m not happy about. But at least I know she’s out there, happy and well looked after.
