> TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAR
I have an early 'entry level' Boxster - the two and a half litre model that was replaced by the 2.7 just two years into the model's existence.

This car is no slouch, though, and it should make the sprint to 60 faster than any hot hatch. However, to insure against embarrassment off the lights, I had Porsheworx add a Ruf sports exhaust which they estimate has increased the power by at least 15bhp. I reckon performance is now on a par - if not better - than the 2.7. In fact, the mechanic who returned it said if I'd also changed the badge on the boot he would have mistaken it for a Boxster S.

Another advantage of the twin steel pipes is that the glorious flat-six tone is amplified and enhanced, causing the softer sound of the Boxster to mimic that of the classic air-cooled Porsches, with a deep, throaty voice singing from the rear each time you depress the throttle.

> WHY DID YOU BUY THIS PARTICULAR CAR?
This model is an ex-demonstrator so came loaded with just about every conceivable extra: better seats, air con, electric everything and, most importantly, it's in the best colour - Arctic Silver. They look great in deep blue with tan interior, but just as Ferraris should be red, I think Boxsters should be silver. I spotted a horrid turquoise one recently and I'm sure the choice will cost the owner £5k on sale.

When buying these second hand, it's worth looking out for two things: 'lux pack', as this means you get climate control, leather everywhere and much better wheels than the nasty standard 16-inchers; and the 'sound pack', which means you get a beefy amplifier hidden under one of the seats which pumps out volume levels capable of leaving you with permanent tinnitus.

But most will prefer the stereo off, as with hood down you'll be treated to one of the best soundtracks available, since all 6 cylinder Porsches make a unique and very addictive noise. And who will want a Cayman - motoring down a country lane with the roof down is surely one of life's great joys?

The Boxster is my second Porsche, the first being a mint 1983 911SC, which surprisingly I was able to run on a shoe-string budget. For a while I had both cars, until I lent the 911 to a good friend who enjoyed it a little too much and wrapped it round a tree.

I miss the 911, but if I'd had to choose between the two, I'd take the Boxster for its comfort, handling and removable roof. It would be a close call, though.

> WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR?
A 1986 Golf Driver, which I still own. Those Germans surely know how to build a car that lasts!

> WHAT'S THE BEST CAR YOU'VE OWNED/BEEN IN?
The Boxster is the best car I've owned - it just leaves you wanting nothing. It grips the road like it's operated by Network South East, has all the power you'll ever demand, but is also the most roomy and comfortable car I've driven. For pure thrills, though, best car I've experienced is a Ferrari 328 GTB.

> DO YOU PREFER CLASSIC CARS TO NEW CARS?
Definitely. In the same way as bygone eras gave us the greatest music of all time, the same applies to cars. Compare the style of, say, Jaguars in the 60s or Ferraris in the 70s, sporty Audis in the 80s and TVRs in the 90s, to today's equivalents, and you'll get an idea of where I'm coming from.

> WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE CAR?
If it had to be one car, it would probably be Steve McQueen's 911, which his son now owns. It's an early 70s model in the best colour (charcoal grey) and this generation 911 is probably the finest of the fine. Other than perhaps a 993 targa, that is, in deep blue with the S kit, tan leather and heated seats to keep the missus happy. Otherwise, if money were no object a Fezza 328 GTS, 80s Aston Martin V8, Audi Quattro Turbo and 16V Golf GTI, TVR Griffith and a 911 engined VW camper would all be on my not-so-shortlist. Oh yes, and not forgetting a 60s or 70s Rolls Royce, perhaps a Phantom or Corniche or even the unloved Camargue. For a while I also had a thing for a 79 'Vette, but I've recovered now.

> WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO DRIVE?
Probably little challenges the Scottish highlands for an undulating open road with neither a copper nor speed camera for miles - I'd love to take a trip there in an AC Cobra (ah - another one to add to the list above). The route through the Welsh valleys to Camarthen is another glorious route, although easily ruined by getting behind a Massey Ferguson. There's also a fabulous stretch of road by Joss Bay in Kent, just off Broadstairs, where I nearly lost the rear of the 911 once. Drop the gear down to second and then give the car some decent throttle as the hill climbs, and the rev-counter will be just touching the red zone by the time you reach the top and are forced to brake...fantastic! Regent's Park at 2am is also good for a blast.

> FAVOURITE MUSIC TO PLAY IN THE CAR?
To get the adrenalin going, I'd choose something funky: Roy Ayers' classic track "Everybody" always hits the spot, as does anything mixed by Joey Negro, and I also recommend the Soulful House Sessions CD listed below. I simply can't get enough of Don Blackman - given the reputation of Boxster drivers, Don's heavy vibe on "You Ain't Hip" is a great one to play full blast in town with the roof down. The CD player always sees plenty of Hall & Oates (try "I Can't Go For That" on a challenging road), and on a clear Summer's day I'm also partial to a bit of England Dan & John Ford Coley's "Love is The Answer". For something smoother, I'll pick some Vic Damone, Capitol years' Sinatra or some Julie London, or anything by the Guvnor, Bob Farnon.

> LINGER AWHILE / MY BABY LOVES TO SWING
VIC DAMONE
If you enjoy the likes of Bennett and Sinatra, then you will love this collection of Damone masterpieces
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