Vroom vroom!
Whether it's the thrill of an open-top or hitting the road in a sports classic, for these women, their cars are a whole lot more than just a way of getting around
Cars are more than just a way of getting around for these women
‘I can drive my electric car with a clear conscience’
‘MY MG MAKES ME FEEL LIKE ME AGAIN’
Stephanie Trowell, 45, is from St Albans; @stephtrowellphotography When I had children I bought the obligatory ‘family car’ to drive them around in, which I still have. But I decided I didn’t want to wait until they were driving themselves to get a car I love.
I had recently separated from my husband, and when my dad spotted an MG F, I thought I’d treat myself. I wanted something for me. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.
As soon as I drop the kids off at school, I lower myself down into its classic bucket seat and off I go. It’s also a step back from being just a mum, something to make me feel like me again.
I’ve always adored classic cars, and now I can't believe I have my very own. It’s a real thrill.
‘IT’S LIKE DRIVING A COOL GO-KART’
Melanie Lawson, 46, is from Sussex; barebiology.com
Commuting in and out of Brighton, where my children are at school, means I’m in the car a lot, so I wanted my new car to be electric. Everything I do with my business, Bare Biology, has the environment in mind, and
I felt my car should represent that too.
I’d had my eye on the BMW i3 for a while. It’s stylish and so much fun to drive – and I’ve driven a Ferrari and Porsche (not mine, unfortunately). The BMW i3 is a bit like driving a super-cool go-kart, and I get to do it with a clear conscience. I wouldn’t be without my electric car – it makes me feel good about myself, and it looks special too.
‘Why shouldn’t a woman in her 70s drive a sports car?’
‘MY HEART LIFTS EVERY TIME I SEE IT’
tricia Cusden, 71, from south-west London, is the founder of make-up brand Look Fabulous Forever. I’ve always seen my car as my passport to freedom, as well as a part of my identity. So I had a heavy heart when I had to swap my sports car for a more sensible VW Golf six years ago, to drive my grandchildren around.
But that was then! When I no longer needed car seats I decided to have one last throw of the ‘fast sporty car’ dice and bought a two-seater Mercedes-Benz 350SE. My heart lifts every time I see it.
I’ve held a driving licence for 54 years and this one represents a certain amount of defiance. Seventy-one-yearold women are not expected to drive such a powerful car as this one.
My longest drive every year is to the South of France, where I have a house. The journey is around 800 miles, but in this car I don’t get tired, as it’s so easy and enjoyable to drive. I love it.
‘SETTING UP A CHARITY CAR RALLY SEEMED NATURAL’
Julie Brangstrup, 40, is from west London; cashandrocket.com Driving is an adventure and it gives you freedom – at least that’s how it feels to me. Having been involved with the Gumball 3000 rally and owning some fantastic cars over the years – including a Jaguar XJ220, Aston Martin Rapide S and my current car, a Bentley Continental GT – setting up a charity car rally seemed only natural.
Cash & Rocket brings together inspiring women for an adventurous drive across Europe to raise money. There’s nothing quite like seeing 40 red cars taking to the roads together, all competing to see how much they can fundraise for three chosen charities. Since the inaugural tour in 2012 we have raised £3.54m.
With two women in each car, the fleet drives from London to Monte Carlo via Paris and Geneva, and it sure gets the attention we need.
It’s an empowering mission and the women love driving through such stunning destinations, and they unite in such force. w&h