Week forty-one

I've never been a petrol head.  I really enjoy driving but I certainly don't know about the ins and outs of cars and modern ones don't particularly interest me.  Mostly, I find them to be ugly but practical machines that get us from A to B.  However, I will admit to being a bit of a speed demon and would absolutely love to drive fast cars round a track - I've wanted to do that for years.  Consequently, I'm a fan of Top Gear and so over the years I've learnt a little bit about fast cars, but mostly I have gained a real appreciation for the classics.  Modern day cars just can't compare to the beauty of the vintage ones - like most things these days.

So, I can safely say that getting the chance to drive some of the best British cars around this great city I've been talking about for so many weeks filled me with frenzied delight.  The Classic Car Club, based in Shoreditch is more like a gallery, never mind a garage, of stunning motors that if you're a member you can rent any one of them for a few days.  However, for those who can't afford the membership and just want to experience the thrill of all these cars momentarily, can go on The Classic Car night drive.

The idea is simple: you have a buddy, 5 cars, 10 checkpoints, a map and you get to drive each car through the nocturnal streets of London.  I must admit that when I arrived and was told that the first car I'd be driving was an Aston Martin Vantage, I was a tad nervous about, well, smashing it into smithereens.  However, my partner for the evening, Hamish, is a regular of the Car Club and made me feel incredibly at ease the moment we got in the car.

So, we all set off in convoy and began our journey through the dark.  The 1975 Aston Martin V8 is quite over-powering - its just magnanimous and I didn't take full advantage of it.  I was just a little cautious of its awesomeness.  Plus, its front is massive and I felt like a child peering over the steering wheel, watching the bonnet.  Its loud and makes its presence known.  I felt very cool driving along the lit up Tower Bridge, making our way to Canada Water and Surrey Quays.

After a quick switch, Hamish took to the wheel and I directed us towards Greenwich (second time in 3 weeks), passed the park and into the hills.  

Next up was the Mini Cooper, which I wasn't as excited about as the others, but I have to say its a fun car to drive and really quite quick.  I got to drive it through the Blackwell Tunnel, so had a bit of free road to really put my foot down.  We drove past the O2, which I'd never actually seen lit up from afar.  That whole stretch just looked amazing.  Its funny how you appreciate the skyline and the sites when you're not in a rush to get anywhere.  After going through Limehouse and along the river we made our switch in gorgeous St Katherine's Dock.

Hamish sped us back passed the tower of London and into Victoria Embankment, past Whitehall and round imposing Parliament Square.  We then pulled up just past Hyde Park in Belgrave Square, where I had a little glint in my eye, seeing the next car I was about to get into: a 1971 Jaguar E-type.  Oh my. James Bond time. It is so sexy, so sleek and simply wonderful.  How apt that I was to drive it along Park Lane, past Marble Arch and then back down to Knightsbridge and passed the twinkly lights of Harrods. I got a lot of looks in this car and I was loving every minute of it.  

Funnily enough Hamish too, got a lot of looks when it was his turn.  The thing with the Jag, is that not only are its looks completely seductive but the sound it makes, makes it totally commanding.  It purs with conviction and strength.
          After Hamish drove the best leg of the whole night: along the Kings Road, down the Chelsea Embankment, passed all the bridges, back through Parliament Square, over Westminster Bridge and passed the Eye, we all pulled up right by the National Theatre for some tea, coffee and cakes.  It was splendid taking in the view along the Thames as well as the impressive line-up of all the cars and I couldn't help feeling a little protective as passers by started snooping over them.

It was the next car that I was to really fall in love with.  The 1968 Daimler.  It looks like a Hollywood star, like something out of Driving Miss Daisy.  You can't drive it fast - it just doesn't fit - its such a sedate and regal car that it feels awkward putting your foot down.  I'm not sure then, why I developed such a soft spot for it, but everything about it is glamourous.  I loved looking at the retro interior as I trundled along towards Camden and Chalk Farm.

However, it was to be in the last car that I really found my feet and stopped thinking about all these silly cars with charm and remembered whats important: speed.  Yes, I now know what car to next buy myself: a Lotus Elan S2.  It is quite simply the best ride I've ever had.  I sped along the Mall and along The Strand with such elation. With the roof down, it was invigorating.  It is turbo charged and I only needed to touch the pedal for it to go into overdrive.  Driving back along Tower Bridge at the end of the night in this car was amazing.

After our final leg through London Bridge we made our way back to Old Street and parked the boys back home.  I was exhausted but utterly exhilarated.  What a fantastic thing to do and a unique way of seeing London - one of the best ways.  Its organised well, the routes are clever and inviting and the staff are great.  At £300 its not the cheapest night out, but you get 5 full hours of driving these immensely stunning and unique cars that many of us never have within our reach.  I'd say its worth every penny.  Find out more about The Classic Car Club here.

Next week I'm going to be donning some fancy PJ's for a night of Bedtime Stories at the 40 Winks hotel. Darlings.