FAMED petrolhead Vicki Butler-Henderson lives life in the fast lane.
The Fifth Gear host, who a presenter on Top Gear before the original show was cancelled in 2001, is also a racing driver along with her grandfather, father and brother – who have all competed professionally.
Naturally, the car nut has a fine collection of motors – including an iconic Honda many enthusiasts consider to be a “modern classic.”
Here are some her sets of wheels shes talked about owning over the years.
MG Metro
As well as being one of the world’s most renowned superminis – perhaps just behind the Mini in that regard – the Metro has been badged by mulitple brands.
During its 18-year lifespan, there was the Austin Metro, Rover Metro and even a Morris Metro, but it’s the MG iteration that Vicki claimed as her very first motor.
In an interview with the Telegraph in 2002, she revealed that her dad gave her £1,500 to buy a car.
“I bought an MG Metro because it was the only car I could afford that had a rev counter – its red seatbelts were a bonus,” she said.
Honda S2000
Considered a “modern classic” among car fans, the Honda S2000 is a stylish convertible that was built between 1999 and 2009.
Hopefully Vicki’s still got hers, as its seen a significant appreciation in price in recent years for models in good condition.
Indeed, car expert James Russell of specialised car dealership The Motor Grid recently described the Japanese motor as an “unapologetic driver’s car” that will increase value in the next few years.
In an interview, Vicki revealed the S2000 was “the car I use most.”
Volkswagen MkII Golf GTI 1800
The original hot hatchback, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is an icon of affordable sporty motors.
With its 1.8-litre eight-valve, fuel-injected engine, the retro MKII was first introduced in 1985 – and is a firm favourite among car buffs.
In an interview, Vicki said: “The Golf is such a lovely little thing, I just had to have one.
“I bought it about four years ago for £3,000, which was probably too much.”
Ducati Monster 750
It’s not just four wheels Vicki enjoys, as the driving ace also owns a tasty Ducati.
The Monster 750 – described as a “charming, easy-to-ride motorcycle” that boasts an “unmistakable sound and striking silhouette” by MotorcyleSpecs– was built by the Italian firm between 1996 and 2005.
The Monster line has reportedly accounted for over half of Ducati’s worldwide sales, and was described by Motorcycle News as “going down in folklore as ‘the bike that saved Ducati’ due to its popularity”.
MkI Ford Cortina GT
The one she’d rather forget?
Vicki revealed that, while working on the show Practical Classics, her staff car was a MkI Ford Cortina GT.
“There was nothing wrong with it, but I was 18 and I also had a Honda CRX, which I really thought was the business, so the Ford didn’t get much of a look-in – I didn’t feel so sexy in the Cortina,” she said.
Elsewhere, fellow Fifth Gear legend Tiff Needle recently revealed his own “surprisingly small” car collection including a Ford Capri…and an Italian motor he “adores”.