Motors and Me: Frank Dowling Design Director, Dowling and Dowling Design Consultants Ltd

What are you currently driving? My daily workhorse is a BMW 520D, solid and reliable and almost a complete contrast to my classic 1971 Triumph TR6 PI, last of the traditional two-seater British Sportscars, in every respect.

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

I love cars, always did, always will, both new and old alike. My earliest memories are of my dad and uncles tinkering with their cars — the smell of oil and petrol, wood and leather — Simonize Polish absolutely intoxicating.

One of my favourite uncles was a mechanic. He worked in the local Austin Morris dealership, where, as a toddler, I used to visit him regularly there — so that love of cars is really deep rooted.

What’s under the bonnet?

The TR6 has a 2.5 litre straight six (six cylinders in line) petrol injected engine, a big solid block producing 175bhp — definitely not eco friendly. It burns a fair couple of litres just to fire it up! The TR6 was seriously fast in it’s day, but towards the end of its production run in 1976, along came the hot hatches, like the VW Golf GTI and later the Peugeot 205 GTI — and things were never quiet the same again.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I really enjoy driving — but I’m the world’s worst passenger. I claim to be from a long line of ‘perfect drivers’.

I have the Institute of Advanced Motorists Certificate to prove it — and my sons and daughter all look set to continue this fine tradition — one has the Garda High Speed Pursuit Test while another is a professional driver of far bigger stuff.

What was your first car?

A Hillman Avenger 1600 GLS. Lovely to look at, but cost almost every penny of my meagre starting salary as a graduate designer to both run and repair it.

What else, do you, did you own?

I’ve had this 43-year-old Triumph for over half its life, and intend driving it well into the sunset. Of course, I’d like to own a few more classics so I’ll keep doing the Lotto.

Dream drive in dream location?

My dream drive, well now there’s a thought. Route 66, or what’s left of it, in a classic Mustang Convertible, or the Corniche. French Monaco Italian Riveria in a Porsche Carrera — they top the list

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

Anyone who is prepared to enjoy (and tolerate) the sheer delight of classic motoring on the scenic coastal route through the West Cork countryside, the highs and lows, the weather and breakdowns, the noise and the smells (of both exhaust and farmyard smells in equal measure), without grumble – and they have been many.

Passenger you’d least like?

Anyone who moans about the noise, the smells, the lack of creature comforts or safety features — the real possibility of a breakdown

What’s on your playlist?

I don’t have a playlist for the TR6, a period Pioneer Radio that’s never turned on.