If I had to choose between driving to work daily in my favourite sports car or to be chauffeured in an uber-luxurious limousine, I would actually choose the latter.
Could it be my age? Or have I lost the desire to pilot powerful, road-hugging machines with emotive exhaust notes?
It’s probably the former. As I get older, I’ve begun to prioritise practicality and convenience over outright performance – especially if you had to drive the same car every day. But I wouldn’t hesitate to drive an exotic car if the opportunity presented itself.
But since most sports cars are impractical, I’d rather be driven to work in the back of an uber-luxurious flagship, such as a Rolls-Royce Phantom II or Bentley Mulsanne Speed.
Insulated from traffic and other road noises, I’d have the chance to start clearing my emails and writing notes for my next story. I’ll reach the office with a head start and more importantly, still feeling fresh.
The lure of an uber-luxury car lies in the craftsmanship and customisation that goes into it. There are endless paintwork options because the factory can match any hue you specify. Ditto for the leather hides that upholster the interior – they’ll colour-match it to your preferences.
The piping and stitching on the seats are customisable, too, along with the wood panelling. I could even ask to have the Torque masthead stitched on the headrests. Even a request to install a Playstation or Xbox (heck, why not both?) in the backseat wouldn’t be an issue.
The only problem with this fantasy is that I can’t taste the champagne if I’ve only got a beer budget.