Motors & Me: Martin Murphy

Looking under the bonnet with Martin Murphy, a pharmaceutical worker in Dungarvan, Co Waterford

What are you currently driving?

A class piece of American muscle — a 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. The Z28 was the top-of-the-range Camaro, with the special performance package. It was dubbed ‘The Hugger’ back in ’79, due to it’s exceptional road handling, which was an issue with many American cars, as they were mostly suited to straight-road driving.

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

When I was first looking for a classic American muscle car, I had a 1969 Camaro in mind, but the cost of these was considerably higher than what I could afford at the time. I came across an advert for a 1979 Z28, which was in my price range and thought ‘why not check it out’. So, off I drove to Kildare and, as soon as I arrived and saw it parked in the garage, it was love at first sight and I knew instantly I had to have it. The deal was done there and then.

What’s under the bonnet?

Under the hood is a Chevrolet 350, cubic-inch, 5.7-litre V8 engine. Over the years, it has had some performance upgrades added, like an Edelbrock performer intake, Holley 4 barrel carburettor, Hedmann exhaust headers and a straight-through, custom, 3” stainless-steel, dual-exhaust system.

Put all this together and fire it up and you have a pretty potent mix of power and rumble, as it responds rapidly through the gears with ease. It’s a great cruiser, but really comes to life when you sink the accelerator and unleash that raw power.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I am a total petrol head. My father is a mechanic (which is always handy) and I have been working with him since I could walk. I went on to study transport management and technology in CIT, and from there I became a service manager in various dealerships in Cork. I left the motor trade some years ago and took up my current position. It was then that my love for cars grew stronger: as the old saying goes ‘your job should never interfere with your hobby’ and, as a result, my search began for my dream car.

What was your first car?

My first car was a 1989 Honda Civic. Back then, I had a thing for Hondas. It was in immaculate condition when I bought it and it was my pride and joy. I had it for many years and even when I bought another, newer, faster, more desirable coupe version, I still kept my first one.

When I met my wife, Sinead, and we decided to get married a few years later, I sold my coupe in order to get a good head start on wedding funds. And I went happily back to my first car, until I got a company car, some time after.

What else do/did you own?

The Camaro is my first classic car. In a couple of years, I will have a milestone birthday and I hope to purchase my second piece of American muscle — a Chevrolet Corvette C3 (third generation). As you can see, it has to be American, as when you catch that bug and listen to the sweet sound of a rumbling American V8, nothing else will do.

Dream drive in dream location?

My dream drive would be along Route 66 in an old, ’50s Cadillac convertible. Driving for miles and miles along the straight open road, sun shining, wind in the hair and not a care in the world.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

My grandfather, Stevie. He passed away almost 13 years ago and hardly a day goes by that I don’t think of him. He always had a fondness for old cars and I remember driving with him, when I was a kid, in one of his many Mrk 1 Escorts. He was always great craic and always had a funny story to tell, which inevitably involved him winding someone up. He never ceased to cheer me up and I always looked forward to visiting and working with him.

Passenger you’d least like?

Matt Cooper, from Today FM. Whenever he comes on the radio while I’m driving, I have to turn him off, as his squeaky voice just grates on me. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but no offence — I just couldn’t be listening to him.

What’s on your playlist?

I’m a huge rocker at heart and I love AC/DC and Thin Lizzy.