ME & MY CAR: It’s a wrap for Chris Harris
FORMER BLACK CAPS ALL-ROUNDER CHRIS HARRIS IS TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC ON DANCING WITH THE STARS, AND USING A TOYOTA LAND CRUISER PRADO TO CANVASS VOTES
What do you normally drive? A 2005 Audi S4, auto, four-wheeldrive V8. I bought it last year from a colleague at work. I love that it’s a V8 and I love the sound that it makes. It drives and handles really well.
Who else drives it?
Anyone. Actually, my wife doesn’t drive it. My eldest daughter Sophie drives it when having driving lessons. (And then I go out and check that it is all right.)
Anything else in your garage?
My wife’s vehicle, which is a 2005 Toyota Alphard. My eldest daughter has a Suzuki Swift. And my Dancing With The Stars car, a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado sponsored by Stadium Cars in Christchurch.
And you have a special wrap on the Prado?
Yes, it has been wrapped with my image, for the DWTS promotion, by Signbiz, who did a great job. It was done within 48 hours. The wrap has a life span of about five years and can be removed easily without damaging the car.
Does it attract attention?
It certainly does. We got the idea from Roger Farrelly, who is also on the show. Some of my supporters thought it was a great idea and made it happen.
Was being a family man a big part of choosing the Prado?
Yes, because it was a seven-seater and definitely a family car.
And do you have a personalised plate?
No. My wife tried to get Harry5 because 5 was my playing number but someone else had already purchased it.
What do you always carry in your car?
A phone charger — because I am always forgetting to charge my phone.
How often do you clean it?
I clean my car about fortnightly.
Manual or automatic cars, which do you prefer?
Manual, but they are becoming more difficult to find.
Who taught you drive?
My brother, Tim. I was 10 years old and it was in our paddock on our lifestyle block. On my 15th birthday I walked in to sit my licence and walked out 30 minutes later, a fully licenced driver.
Advice to young drivers?
Take it easy. You’re not as experienced as you think you are.
What was your first car?
My first car was aToyota Celica. I loved it.
Any vehicles you have regretted selling?
My red, New Zealand-new, Nissan 300ZX Turbo T/Top.
Your most memorable road trip?
Taking my then girlfriend (now wife) to a cricket game in Little River in the 300ZX. It was fair to say she went a little white.
Do you have a favourite movie car scene?
Steve McQueen in Bullitt, because it was the first and most amazing car chase I had seen.
Favourite race driver?
Michael Schumacher because of his longevity and Denny Hulme because he was a Kiwi. If you could go anywhere in the world, in any car, with any celebrity . . . In a Bugatti through Germany with DTWS judge Rachel White.
What’s a great day trip out of Christchurch?
Akaroa, because it’s a fun drive through the hills and on the straight flat, then you can sit by the sea eating the best fish and chips, or even stop at the Hill Top for a drink overlooking spectacular views.
What music do you listen to when you drive?
I listen to Journey, Don’t Stop Believing, or anything by the Boss, or U2.
Other drivers . . . what irritates you most?
When you make way for drivers who are stuck in traffic and then they don’t acknowledge your courtesy. DWTS screens 7pm Sundays and 7.30pm Mondays on Three.