Motors & Me: Lar Byrne - AA Patrol of the Year

What are you currently driving?

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

My van is obviously a means to get from A to B, B being our broken down members.

What’s under the bonnet?

A 2.2 litre 125bhp diesel engine in the van and 1.8 litre 153bhp petrol engine in my car so I’m pretty thankful for the current decrease in the fuel costs.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Probably somewhere between the two. I’ve always had an interest in cars growing because my Dad’s also a technician. I used to help him repair cars at the weekends and while on summer holidays from school.

What was your first car?

A grey Ford Fiesta. I had a little 50cc Aprilla Rally moped before that.

What else do/did you own?

A 600cc Honda Hornet motorbike. I often take it up to the Wicklow Mountains on a clear day and drive through the Sally Gap. It’s a pretty popular drive with bikers and the scenery is absolutely incredible.

I’ve had numerous cars over the years. Anything from a Peugeot 407 to a Mitsubishi Colt.

Dream drive in dream location?

I’ve a real soft spot for Lamborghinis and had the opportunity to repair a Murcielago on the side of the road for one of our members, which I then had to test drive.

So I’d probably choose a Bugatti Veyron on either Seven-mile bridge in California or along Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

My Mam. She passed away almost two years ago and I’d give anything get to chat to her again.

Passenger you’d least like?

Jamie Carragher - former Liverpool defender and now Sky soccer pundit

What’s on your playlist?

My playlist is constantly changing so I just had a look and my top played tunes are, Million Voices –Otto Knows, I could be the one – Avicil vs Nicky Romeo, So good to me – Chris Malinchal and Klingande – Jubel.