Sporty Spice Melbourne breast-care specialist Dr Chantel Thornton on her fondness for classic cars and a racy fire-engine red Ferrari.
For Melbourne surgeon Dr Chantel Thornton, nothing gets the pulse racing like her vintage Ferrari, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter, Elise Elliott.
Ahot- pink front door is both bold and beautiful. It’s a fitting entrance for the consulting rooms of breast-care specialist, Dr Chantel Thornton. She says she chose the bright colour because it radiates strength, courage, positive energy, and happiness.
The consulting rooms are located in a magnificent double-storey terrace built in the 1880s. Original features abound: stained-glass windows, ornate architraves and cornices, and fireplaces with marble mantels. Glass doors from the waiting rooms lead to a serene garden, where a double-trunked elm tree creates a lovely canopy of shade.
Chantel’scar–ared1977Ferrari308GTB – might not be the most practical vehicle for a family (Chantel is 37 weeks pregnant when we meet), but this prancing horse is indeed beautiful. And bold.
Have you always appreciated handsome cars and houses?
Yes, European cars in particular. I learnt to drive in my parents’ BMW 7 Series and my first car was an Audi. My parents love to renovate – Mum referred to Australian House & Garden as her ‘book of dreams’. Mymaternalgrandfatherlovedarchitecture, engineeringanddesignandownedhisown construction company. My mum worked on many projects with him.
Tell us about your work environment.
A stark, clinical environment negatively impacts on a patient’s psychological state. So I wanted to create a beautiful, calm, welcoming space – somewhere people are not treated like they are seriously ill.
There’s lots of crisp white for a bright and modern feel, but the original 1880s features help the rooms feel like a home.
The garden is an oasis of calm…
Sure is. Patients can sit outside and enjoy fresh air and enjoy a little peace while waiting for their appointment. Relaxing in the garden is also good for the immune system! An arborist told me the doubletrunk elm is very rare. This precious tree protects our patients from the sun in warmer months. There is also a palm tree and gardenias – quite a mix but it works.
What are your favourite pieces?
I adore the art installation, called HER, by Jacqueline Gregory that hangs in my consulting room. It’s a cast of the breasts of women from different ages and backgrounds. I hope other women find it as empowering as I do.
Ialsolovethetowerofbooksinmyoffice. Many were written by friends; others were given to me as gifts. A mannequin in the hallway is a real talking point. It’s clothed in a dress I wore to a Dior Gala.
Do you enjoy driving the Ferrari?
I admit that it’s not an easy car to drive; it has a heavy clutch, no power steering and it’s low to the ground. I love that it’s such a head-turner though. It’s great to see people appreciate a classic car and I think many are surprised to see a woman at the wheel.
What do you love about this car?
Its beautiful Pininfarina lines and the stunning interior, which reminds me of the lining in a gorgeous designer handbag. This model is also quite rare – only 211 were madeinthisright-handdriveconfiguration in 1977, which is also my birth year so a special vintage!
Is there another car on your wish list?
I have two. When it comes to modern cars it would be the electric hyper-car, the Pininfarina Battista. Electric cars truly are the future. My dream classic car is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing in silver with Bordeaux leather interior. It’s my father’s favourite car too.
In the meantime, I have put in a request for the four-seater Ferrari Portofino – with matching baby seat, of course! @EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar
WhichCar TV airs on Channel 10 at 4pm Sundays. For all your motoring advice, go to www.whichcar.com.au.
“I adore this art installation, called HER, by Jacqueline Gregory. I hope other women find it as empowering as I do.” Dr Chantel Thornton, owner