Your Forum name
BigGinge
Real name
Richard
Age
26
Occupation
Studying MEng Motorsport Engineering at Brunel University (Uxbridge), currently working a year in industry for an undisclosed F1 Team in Oxfordshire
Lives
Tring, Hertfordshire
Marital Status
Been with my girlfriend for 2 1/2 years
which cars do you drive and why?
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 TS Lusso - 80 miles a day commuting to work, 115k on the clock and I still love it. It's my 2nd 147 - I sold the first one in 2005 because I needed the money and brought a VW Bora. Hated it so much, I sold it without another car to drive, to free up cash to buy something else. Spent the next month bidding on Alfa 156 V6s and GTVs on ebay, until I saw a luminous green 147 for a great price; what a sucker.
1979 Fiat X1/9 Abarth Prototipo Replica - I don't actually drive this, because it's in my nans garage in the process of being built (and has been for about 5 years), but it's getting very very very close now, and if I stop being so lazy, and find a secret stash of money somewhere, hopefully it'll be done by the end of the summer. Anyway, I've got it because my Dad has had an X1/9 for quite a few years, and we got hold of another one cheapy cheap (because it was made of rust and newspaper) and wanted to do something fun with it.
Are you a real passionate for Alfa Romeo?
I never liked Alfas until the 156 and 147 generation came out, and now I can't get enough of them!
What or how started your passion for Alfa Romeo and…
….do you think it’s fundamental to own one to have the passion?
I used to own a Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon, which I loved to bits, but the fuel bills got too much and I decided I needed something cheaper to run. So spent ages looking at cars and test drove quite a few. The only car that felt special to be in was the 147. About 6 months later I got one, and I've been in love with Alfas ever since. (and even brought Nicky into the Alfa club) I don't think you need to own one, but you need to sit in one and drive one. Saying that, I just look at the new Alfas and feel tingly
Would you ever consider joining an Alfa Club or are you already a member of one?
Well I'm in this Alfa club........although not a paying member! I've considered joining AROC, but not sure if I'd get anything out of it, especially because Alfaowner exists.
What do you like most about Alfas?
Beauty.
What do you like least about Alfas?
That AR UK don't supply free cars to me.
What would be your dream cars?
8C, Aston Martin Vantage (new one), Ford RS200, Lancia Stratos.
What car would you least like to drive?
I'd like to drive everything once, just to appreciate how good Alfas are.
For you, what’s the most popular thread on AO?
Anything with me in
What would be your ideal drive in an Alfa (destination, passenger, driving music, etc)?
I would love to drive across the mountain roads of Europe, with no passenger (but the company other cars on the same journey). I'd probably listen to Sugababes, the new album is awesome
Any humorous Alfa or car-related stories you wish to share with us?
Not humorous, but I sold my old 147 to a good mate; during the year I'd had it there were no issues whatsoever (except a broken sunroof), but on arriving with its new owner the throttle position sensor died, promptly followed by the cambelt
What interests do you have outside of Alfas?
Cars and Motorsport, Computers, Photography, Songwriting
Tell us something nobody knows about you. (E.g. special skill, ever been on TV, etc)
Before going to Brunel I did a BSc in Sound, Light and Live Event Technology - so I've not been on TV, but I've worked behind the scenes for premiership football matches, ice hockey and other bits and pieces. I was asked to go on a TV talent show once when I was a kid, but I was too scared
Do you have a party trick? If so what is it?
My only party trick is that I know a little about everything. The problem is, I know a lot about nothing
What do you like most about the Alfaowner forum? Any favourite threads, episodes or people?
Nice to see that there's people as crazy as me out there.
If you had £50,000 you had to spend in 72 hours, how would you choose to spend it?
Depressing as it is, I'd pay off my debts.....
If I didn't have debts I'd fly on Concorde to New York (in the world of no debt, Concorde is still flying
) and live it up for a day.
Well that was fun, and wasted 10 minutes. I wonder if anyone can be bothered to read it
Rich