Motors and Me: Pat McSweeney

What are you currently driving?

I am driving a maroon and black 1913 Silver Ghost.

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

For many years I said I would love to have a Silver Ghost. It took a number of years before we found one in the UK. When we found it, it was up on concrete blocks and all that was left of the car was the chassis and engine. The engine was being used for driving a turbine for electricity for a private house.

What’s under the bonnet?

A straight six-cylinder — with 40/50hp.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

Very much a Sunday driver which includes many visits to vintage shows and stationary days some of which carry us as far as Northern Ireland. For these trips we carry the car in our purposely built truck which keeps it in good condition.

What was your first car?

My first car was a Ford Prefect 100E — with overhead cam and four-speed gearbox.

What else do/did you own?

I own a Bentley Mark 6, which is a genuine Irish car with original Irish plates. We also own a Rolls Royce Corniche which was hand-built in 1971 for a high profile Rolls Royce Customer in the UK.

Dream drive in dream location?

In 2013, my wife Anne and I had the great experience for taking part in what is known as the Great Alpine Run, this run which only takes place every 10 years carried us from our home in Cork to a starting point of San Moritz in Switzerland. From there we travelled over the Alps taking in some of the most beautiful scenery — travelling through four countries before reaching our final destination back in San Moritz. This trip was made even more special as it was the 100th anniversary of the run which at the time it was also the 100th birthday of our car. We also had the pleasure of doing the run with 36 Silver Ghosts from all over the World.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

I always enjoy travelling with my wife and our friends from the Rolls Royce Club and of course all our grandchildren.

Passenger you’d least like?

A passenger that I would least like to travel with would be a person who would be full of praise for themselves whilst downgrading other people.

What’s on your playlist?

There’s nothing like a bit of country music while I’m driving.