VIDEO: Motors & Me: Pat Coholan and his 1979 Volkswagon Golf

Pat Coholan shows the Irish Examiner around his 1979 VW Golf 1.5 Diesel GL

What are you currently driving?

I drive a 1979 Volkswagon Golf 1.5 Diesel GL. I have a garage in Ballinspittle, Co Cork. In 1979, I sold a new Golf to a customer and when driving it from Cork, I liked it so much I decided that this is the car for me, even though being a mechanic I thought I would never buy a new car.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

Definitely love at first sight, I still have this car in my possession. I would be very reluctant to part with it.

What’s under the bonnet?

The original 1.5 Diesel engine.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Probably more Sunday driver than petrol head. I like taking the VW out on local vintage runs and some Sunday driving.

What was your first car?

My first car was an Austin A40.

What else do/did you own?

Being a mechanic, I had lots of different cars down through the years — including a Fiat 131 and 132, Anglia, Escort, Toyota Starlet, Nissan Primera and presently an Opal Astra Diesel.

Dream drive in dream location?

My VW Golf around Garrettstown and the Old Head of Kinsale.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

My wife, she likes to come along for the drive.

Passenger you’d least like?

I suppose the back seat driver is everyone’s nightmare, better not mention any names.

What’s on your playlist?

I like listening to live GAA games, otherwise Lyric FM.