Motors & Me: Peter Burke

This week Cork man and  car enthusiast, Peter Burke, shares his motoring passions.

What are you currently driving?

My everyday car is a Mercedes 280 SL automatic. Lovely car to drive, especially with the hood down. This summer was ideal weather. But my real love is my ’54 Chevy 3100 pick-up.

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

From an early age, I always loved cars. The Mercedes was definitely ‘love at first sight’. Turns a lot of heads. The Chevy was a labour of love. It was bought by my brother-in-law, Don, in the US over 30 years ago. I always harboured a love for classic American pick-ups, so when I first set my eyes on it, when we paid a visit to St Louis, I knew I had to have it.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Merc has a 2.5, D4D 2.8cc straight six-twin overhead, CAM fuel-injected automatic. Despite all the hard miles, the Chevy’s big-six just keeps on trucking. It doesn’t even have an oil filter, but they reckon these engines will go on forever.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Petrol head. Love driving.

What was your first car?

In 1974, I was the proud owner of a 1966 Ford Cortina Mark 1. Had a column-change bench seat. Should have kept it.

What else do/did you own?

I owned a few Volvos — P1800, 244, 740 and 760, Ford Capri, Mercedes, Rover and Opel. I also own a Toyota Landcruiser Hilux.

Dream drive in dream location?

Route 66 in a Mustang convertible; open-top and in no rush!

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

Kathryn Thomas. She’s full of life. She’s a good-looking girl. I think she would be good laugh and we’d have great fun together.

Passenger you’d least like?

George Hook. I like rugby, but George is always complaining. Not my type of passenger. I would be very bored.

What’s on your playlist?

Nathan Carter, Garth Brooks, Imelda May and Phil Coulter.