IT SEEMS we’re a sentimental bunch when it comes to recalling our first cars and their lack of technology.
A huge 58 per cent of UK drivers say their first car was their pride and joy, while only 28 per cent saw it as an “old banger”, according to a survey.
Motor firm InsuretheGap.com also found 11 per cent felt their first car was part of the family.
Fond memories include tinkering with the car’s engine on their drive (33 per cent), winding down windows by hand (30 per cent) and only having four gears (21 per cent).
Some 25 per cent even miss having to manually lock the car. Drivers also hanker after old car stereos, with 19 per cent missing the cassette player and 13 per cent liking manual radio tuning.
But 54 per cent do not miss the icy wait for the windscreen to defrost, using a choke (42 per cent) and bunny hopping down the road as the car warmed up (22 per cent).
Old favourites ranged from the Morris Minor 100 Traveller and Volkswagen Beetle to the VW Golf GTI and Ford Capri.
InsuretheGap.com chief Ben Wooltorton said: “While technology has clearly made driving easier, there’s nothing like opening up the bonnet and tinkering with your car engine, or being able to get that perfect balancing point with the choke so that the car doesn’t stall.”
