What was your first car?

My first car was a bright orange Saab 95. My mam and dad bought it for £50. It was £55 to tax and £150 to insure so a bargain indeed. It had a hidden bench seat in the back and column change gears. It had the wonderful freewheel hub too, which meant you could freewheel without taking the car out of gear. I loved it, beautifully designed with the wonderful curved bonnet and fins at the back. It struggled to get above 60mph, but i loved it. People used to take the mickey out of my old orange car, but then gaze longingly from the bus stop as I sailed by. It still remains my ambition to one day get another 95!

How many times did it take to pass your test?

I passed my test second time around. My instructor the first time around was like a general who couldn't keep his foot off the brake and clutch. I learned in a Vauxhall Nova . I was taught by a guy called Jim I think who as I remember was more interested in talking about the ladies than teaching me about the biting point.

Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?

The Northern Echo: John Martyn, Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, Nov 7

My ideal fantasy passenger would be the folk singer John Martyn, a nutcase with the voice of an angel. I reckon he had some stories to tell. I nearly met him once, but left before he came into the bar. If he'd been horrible I thought it would have ruined his music for me - wish I'd waited.

What is your dream car?

The Northern Echo: The 1975 VW camper van

I sold my 1972 VW Camper a couple of years ago and would like a Volkswagen Samba with a Porsche engine. If it had to be modern I would go for an Range Rover Evoque or a big Bentley.

How would you describe your driving style?

I would describe my driving style as pretty safe really. I used to have a Mini Clubman which I used to drive a bit faster in as the road-holding was unbelievable.

Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?

When I was younger I lived in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, and me and a gang of friends used to hang around in South Bank. One of my mate's parents went away so he was throwing a big party, but he lived in Guisborough. We only had one car, an old Fiat 126, which was tiny. We squeezed nine people into it and away we went. I've walked with a stoop ever since.

What is playing on your in car iPod or CD player at the moment?

The Northern Echo: Mastodon will take to the NME/Radio 1 stage on Saturday

Mastodon's ‘The Hunter’ because it's brilliant if you're in a bad mood. John Smith's ‘Great Lakes’ for when you're not. Also just discovered Thumpermonkey - mad and awesome.

What do you drive now?

I drive a Toyota Prius at the moment for the obvious reasons - very green car, no tax, congestion charge free. It does 60mpg to the gallon. Contrary to popular belief it's not that slow. It is a brilliant car.