WORK HARD PLAY HARD
REAL ESTATE AGENT STEPHEN SHIN CAN’T BE MISSED IN HIS BRIGHT YELLOW LAMBO
Tell us about your Lamborghini?
The model is called Gallardo Superleggera LP570- 4, 50th Edition. It has a manual paddle shift gearbox. It’s somehow registered as a 2016 vehicle in NZ but I understand that it was manufactured in 2013. I believe the colour of the vehicle is called Giallo Fly Yellow, commonly known as Lambo Yellow. I purchased it from a friend who is a dealer in exotic vehicles in Auckland. I had been asking him for a Superleggera LP570- 4 model for over a year and he hit the jackpot with this one, being the sought- after 50th limited edition model.
Why a Lamborghini?
As a boy, I had posters on my bedroom walls of Lamborghinis and Ferraris, dreaming of one day being able to drive one, let alone own one. Gallardo has always been known to be the more accessible and practical supercar compared to its bigger brothers like the Aventador. It handles amazingly and has that distinctive Lamborghini look. You won’t miss it when it drives past. There’s very little extra options in this particular model. I don’t think it even has a NAV system or Bluetooth for your phone. At least it has a radio.
How does this car fit your personality?
“Work hard, play hard, achieve and live your dreams now and in this lifetime — cause you only live and die once” is what I believe in. I think this car, especially in this colour, conveys the same message well.
How does it fit your job?
Not very well, actually. Being a real estate salesperson, at times I have to carry more passengers around town. And this stiff race- track oriented car certainly doesn’t fit the bill for being a good car for a real estate agent. It does, however, draw a lot of attention when you put up an open home flag sign next to it. Maybe it gets more potential buyers driving past into the open homes.
Is this your first Lamborghini?
Yes!
What else do you have in your garage?
A couple of “boys’ toys”: a Series 8 Mazda RX- 7 and an Audi A7. I may, one day, part with the Lamborghini but the RX- 7 is not for sale under any circumstances.
Which is your “everyday” drive?
I mostly drive the Audi A7 everyday due to its space and fuel economy being a diesel car.
There’s quite an art to getting in and out of a Lamborghini, especially if someone is wearing a dress?
It’s even hard for guys to get in and out; imagine how difficult it is for the ladies. I guess the guys will have to be the gentleman and open doors and hold the lady’s hands to help them in and out.
Is the Lamborghini easy to clean?
Surprisingly easy to clean. I clean it maybe once a month or so myself.
Who else drives your Lamborghini?
No one. My insurance policy won’t allow it anyway.
What do you always keep in it?
Raybans and driving shoes.
First car?
It was an old Citroen ZX hatchback. I loved it and drove it everywhere until it died. It was nothing special but it was my first car and it allowed me freedom. I have amazing memories of it.
Who taught you to drive?
My father when I was around 16 years old. He was a very patient teacher.
Any tips for young drivers?
Being a “good driver” means being responsible for yourself, your passengers and for other vehicles and other passengers. Not how much you can hold your car in mid- drift in a local backroad. You can do that on a track.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
Manual! It’s a guy thing.
If you could on a road trip anywhere in the world with anyone?
With Jeremy Clarkson driving in Richard Hammond’s Ford Mustang GT500, and anywhere we can legally be reckless. Reason? The original Top Gear series.
Favourite movie car scene?
Ferrari Maranello chase scene. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith.
And what do you listen to?
Electro, R& B, pop, jazz, depending on the mood.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
No, I don’t and won’t judge someone by what they drive. However, how they look after their cars sometimes tells you something about their personalities.