My First Car

Playwright Bernard Farrell tells Andrew Hamilton about his first car

Playwright Bernard Farrell tells Andrew Hamilton about his first car

What was your first car?

A mini 850 - red and with rust.

What did you pay for it?

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£200 - it was 1969.

Was it reliable?

Yes, except on damp days. (In Ireland?). Then the distributor cap and the plugs had to be put into the oven to dry out - 10 minutes at Mark 5.

Any good or bad memories?

Being stopped at a garda check-point on a hot summer day. The windscreen wipers suddenly went into action - they used do that. And the angry garda and I then playing verbal tennis . . . Turn them off . . . I can't . . . Turn them off! . . . Honestly I can't. Eventually, as I drove away, he called: I hope it rains for you.

How did having a car change your life?

It became easier to impress girlfriends - previously I had had a scooter!

Did your first car give you a feeling of advantage?

No advantage for me. I suddenly became the late-night lift-home for all my bike-riding, bus-taking friends.

How long did you keep your first car?

Two years.

Did you sell it on for a better deal?

No - I traded it in for an another Mini 850, yellow, also with rust.