ME AND MY CAR: Bill Calthrop is reacquainted with a rare S-Reg Nissan Skyline GTR he road tested before it was sold to a Marlborough JP and later bought by its present owner, Swindon solicitor Rob Ross. He talks about why he loves the car.

How long have you owned this car?

Three wonderful years.

Why did you buy it?

I saw your write-up on it and decided to get one. Luckily I was able to get the very car. It was a natural progression really, having had a Nissan 200, then a 300. The fact is I love sports and sporty cars. My first such vehicle was an 1850cc Triumph Dolomite Sprint, a car that was way ahead of its time. In the mid 70s it was the first production car to achieve 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds. That was followed by a couple of MGB GTs and a Renault 5 Turbo, a truly awesome machine.

What do you like best about the Skyline?

I suppose it is because it is the only car I have come across that you can amble along with four adults on board to a track day meeting, unload the passengers, get out on the track and more than likely show the opposition how a real GT will perform, then collect your guests for the return trip home, never missing a beat. Not many cars, whatever their pretensions, can actually do that. My Skyline has, many times.

Does it have name.

No, it's a car.

What does this car tell us about you?

That I like things that look and do everything very well, which the Skyline does. In that respect it is a very utilitarian sports car.

What was your first car?

It was a 1965 green Mini Traveller which had moss growing around the windows and would do 0 to 60 mph if you were lucky. I loved it dearly.

What do you listen to when driving?

A bit of rhythm and blues, Radio 4 and enjoy of the sound of the car's engine.

How often do you wash your car?

When it needs it, which, since it is silver in colour, isn't too often.

And what sort of things do you find in it when you clean it out?

Not a lot really, probably the odd parking ticket which has got down between the seats.

Any speeding tickets?

Fortunately, none.

Any accidents in your car?

No.

What would your dream car be?

A pristine 1960s Jaguar Mk II. My father was once offered one with almost no miles on the clock but couldn't afford to buy it. I was devastated. I've always loved beautiful cars, especially those of the sporty variety.

What celebrity would you like to have in your car on a journey?

Tony Benn because above all else I admire his total integrity, or Germaine Greer because to me she epitomises all that a woman should be.