FOR those of a certain age, TV personality Johnny Ball is remembered as the man behind shows such as Think Of A Number. Younger people will know him as the father of disc jockey Zoe Ball. Recognised in the fields of science and mathematics, he actually began his career as a comedian. In 2012, he was one of the contestants on the BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing. He now runs Johnny Ball productions, offering a wide range of science, maths and technology-related services. For more details visit www.johnnyball.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @JohnnyBallco

WHAT was your first car?

I bought my first car in the winter of 1962. It was a brand new Mini van, below, in green. My dad called it the Tin Trunk. It cost around £400 as it was free of purchase tax, being a van. I was just starting out as a comedian and still played drums, so I needed the space.

The Northern Echo: A 1962 Morris Mini Van

HOW many times did it take to pass your driving test?

I passed at my second attempt. I failed my first test in Waterloo between Liverpool and Southport. You got your test quicker there and had a better chance of passing. As I had the car - and no mate with a licence to accompany me - one evening I drove the car to a local club. As I turned out of our street, a police car zoomed past. Then as I rounded an ice cream van, a kid ran put and I had to do an emergency stop. Next a fire engine clanged past. Then as I got near the club, another police car appeared. I was a nervous wreck and never drove it again until I had passed my test.

WHO would be your ideal passenger and where would you like to go?

I love driving, but am well past changing gear with girl’s right thighs.

WHAT is your dream car?

It is always the car I have now. I have never been jealous of anyone else.

HOW would you describe your driving style?

As fast as sensible and conditions allow.

TELL me one driving anecdote from your past?

I had the van for about three years, even though I was by then making good money in the clubs. I had a very beautiful and flashy girl friend, despite only having the Mini van. One evening on the way to Manchester a squeak developed. It had just been serviced, so I thought something might have been left loose, but carried on as we were slightly late. In the pouring rain, halfway across the junction, there was an almighty ‘bang!’. In front of us, the front offside wheel carried on forward and then spun like a coin and stopped. We burst into laughter and could do nothing. Two bus drivers jumped out of their double decker cabs and picked the front end up and wheeled the Mini to the side of the road. We were now in total hysterics. One of them tapped on my little sliding window. I opened it and he shouted: “Stick yer hand out.” He popped four wheel nuts and the hub cap into my hand. I got rid of it soon after that.

WHAT are you listening to?

The Northern Echo: BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time

I like to listen to Radio 4 or Classic FM. When driving, I always have sweets on the passenger seat as the sugar keeps my blood sugar up and I never even blink till I’m safely home.

What are you driving now?

I drive a BMW 525D SE Auto , which I bought new a year ago. It is my second 5-Series and I love it. I had 3-Series before that. We also have an Audi 3 petrol convertible with a canvas top which leaves some boot room. That is so nippy and great fun.

The Audi number plate - P 72 GOLF or correctly speaking P 726 OLF - might be worth more than the car. My wife was once offered £15,000 in the street for it and today we might take a near offer, if anyone is interested? My wife and I both play golf but are not fanatics about it, or number plates. It came to us on a new Honda in the P-reg days. But as most major golf courses are Par 72, it is uniquely apt. Now that Jaguar are in the hands of Ratan Tata, who is feeding all profits back into the business, instead of ripping the profits out of the business, it might soon be time to come back to English cars again. I really do hope so.