Not Michelle’s exact car but one very like it
What was your first car and why did you buy it?
A black Datsun Cherry F11 Coupe. It looked like a Beatle. The engine was mint sadly the body was not up to scratch literally jagged doors from rust.
What did you pay for it?
It cost me £300 and I bought it from a guy Jim I worked with.
How did it change your life?
It was a two door and I was 21 living the dream in England in 1992. It was the beginning of my freedom. I grew up in Ireland and the only women who drove were rich. I thought it was an unattainable as a teen in Coolock to drive but I set out to change that.
What was the longest trip you ever took in the car?
The big road trip I took in my coupe was to Leamington spa with some friends.
What was your best memory or most memorable moment in the car?
I thought I was deadly. Despite spending more on keeping it going than I should have it genuinely have me a sense of achievement and freedom. I felt I could go anywhere and achieve anything. It was a new found independence that has stayed with me for the last 20+ years.
Did you still think of your first car?
I have a love of cars and have been fortunate to go onto to have luxury vehicles but I hold the memory of my first car dearly in my heart.
Michelle Herbert
24th February, 2015
