It never ceases to amaze me the lengths that some people will go to to endulge their passion.  I was at one of our Longlife depot launches last month and got talking to one of the many people who had come down with their car to enjoy the day.  Based in the Midlands, this guy has spent many thousands of pounds on his Fiat Punto, respraying it, and upgrading it so that you’d hardly recognise the original car.  He did also enter a competition to win one of our exhausts although that prize went to a friend of his who had only just started modifying his Fiesta. 

“Never mind, i’ll get it done at some point” was his comment.

What really amazed me was the fact that this yound lad – he’s probably in his early 20s – has driven 40,000 miles in the last twelve months going to cruises and meet ups all over the country!  Given that he’s based in one of the most central points of the country one can only assume that he’s been to pretty much every point across the UK and probably into Scotland as well.  I drive about 25,000 – 30,000 miles per year through pleasure and business in a car that’s very comfortable and designed to do that kind of mileage.  To have done that in a Punto which has been lowered to the point that it’s only about an inch from the ground is just astonishing. 

For those wanting a great day out and to meet up with other petrol heads, don’t forget the Topgear/Longlife Open Day at our Head Office in Dorset.  Saturday July 10th from 10am to 4pm.  There will be loads to see, thousands of pounds worth of prizes to be won and the Team Dynamics British Touring Car Team here to show you their race car.  Find us at Unit 1 Gore Cross Business Park, Bridport, DT6 3UX