BUZZ OF A CAMARO
HAWKE’S BAY-BASED NESS AND DAVID GILL, WHO OWN THORNTON LODGE MOTEL, DRIVE A 2011 CHEVROLET CAMARO SS ON THEIR PRECIOUS DAYS OFF
Tell us about your Camaro? Our 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS really stands out in a crowd. It was made famous in the Transformers movies and is known as Bumblebee. When we take part in Americarna in Taranaki every year, the kids just love it and yell out “Bumblebee, Bumblebee”. It is great to see the look of enjoyment and excitement on their faces.
When did you buy it?
We imported this car in 2011 from the US; it is left-hand drive. We got a Camaro as some of our friends had Corvettes. This was chosen instead of a Corvette because we can take our daughter, Chloe, in it also.
How does your Camaro fit your personality?
It is vibrant and speedy, and it stands out in the crowd.
What else do you have in your garage?
A 2016 Ford Everest.
How often do you clean the Camaro?
I don’t clean it; that is David’s job. Besides, I would never do a good enough job! And we always keep it in the garage, with a cover on it. Out of sight and sun.
Who else drives it?
Just David and me.
What do you always keep in it?
A first-aid kit, a box of tissues and a USB with music as the radio is not always the best when you’re driving around the country and you’re not close to a city.
First car you owned?
I had a red Mini in Hawke’s Bay in the early 90s and I loved it.
Do you have a dream car?
I am not sure if I have a dream car but I do love the Camaro. It has great get-up-and-go and a V8 engine to boot.
Who piqued your interest in cars?
It was more my husband who wanted this car but I am usually happy to go with the flow of what he chooses in the way of cars. Colour picking is usually left to me.
Who taught you to drive?
My dad taught me to drive on the farm; we had an old Austin Gipsy. When I was really young, I used to sit on his knee and steer. My brother then got a Mini, which I wanted to wash often so I could take it out of the shed and drive it around the house a few times after it had been washed.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I don’t mind either, but it also depends on what type of car you are driving. I used to love the fact the Mini was manual, but I enjoy the Camaro in auto, although we have the best of both worlds and can use tiptronic on it also.
Driven spotted you on Waiheke during a North Island road trip. Where all did you go?
We were on Waiheke as part of an organised group of friends called
2018 Harbour Cruise. We met in Raglan, travelled north to Parakai, Opononi, Kaitaia, Cape Reinga and Paihia, and Waiheke was our last stop. From Wellington we had Mike and Pam in a C6 Corvette, Russ, Jude, Dawn and Shane in a
57 Chev Belair, and from New Plymouth, Phil and Michaela in a C6 Corvette.
Favourite racing driver?
Greg Murphy. He was a local lad when he started. He went to the same high school as me.
How do you feel about technology and cars?
I am not sure if I can imagine myself in a driverless car at this point, maybe in time. Technology for cars continues to make leaps and bounds from when I first started driving, so who knows what the future holds.