THE FANATIC

Many believe there are two types of people in this world: those who enjoy pineapple as a pizza topping and those who cannot stand the thought of such a pairing. In my mind, there are two types of people relating to cars, too … or three, actually. Let me explain before I confuse myself. The first type of person looks at a car for what it essentially is; a transportation device. To them, it’s nothing more and can usually be identified only by its colour.

Type twos are the folk who enjoy the occasional sight of something a bit exotic like those cars the Italians tend to make. A Ferrari or Lamborghini driving by will get their attention and extract a comment along the lines of “check that Ferrari” or “wait, is it a Lamborghini? Aah man it’s hot” (preferably in an “aam fraam the saath” accent, although not a requirement). Either way, after the sighting, life goes on or a heavily modified Ford Focus will come along and initiate a similar response.

That brings me to the third type: the fanatic. Those who would be having a cup of joe at the coffee shop and break their neck to see anything revving more than 4 000 r/min on the street while quoting the model and variant quietly under their breath. Whether it was a merger in a GT3 or a 1,5-litre Etios Sprint, it would have been worth it. The fanatic is not necessarily fazed with the best and newest metal on the street. They get far more excited by headlines, manual transmissions and naturally aspirated mills … preferably all in one package. I am undoubtedly a type three but sadly haven’t met many others.

Thanks for the great magazine, it helps feed the passion despite being unable to afford something special. PHILIP VAN ASWEGEN Muldersdrift, Johannesburg [Philip, we appreciate you getting in touch to help feed our passion. Whether it’s an Etios or GT3, we’re the third type for sure. Please accept a 12-month subscription to CAR on us – editor.]