Me & My Car: Chrysler Crossfire convertible convert

Donna McIntyre
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Evelina Gailer is the BGT agency's lead booker, submitting talent for the upcoming Amazon Original Series series based on the Lord of the Rings.

What are you driving? 

It’s a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire two-seater convertible in a cold steel blue silver. It’s automatic, has low profile tyres, and it was built by Karmann based on the SLK Mercedes made in Germany.

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It’s the first car I’ve owned. I bought it from a couple; it had one previous owner and had done 30,000km. I paid just over $20,000 for it.  

Why did you choose a Crossfire? 

I love how it has a bit of grunt and looks masculine; its aesthetically smooth lines make it look effortless, light and sporty. It makes me feel good driving it. I haven’t made any changes as I like things to be original.   

What do you like most about your car? 

I love that there’s not many of them around; I never go to the wrong car in a car park. I drive it daily, to work and back by Henderson Film Studios.  

How does it suit your lifestyle? 

I love the freedom I feel when driving with the roof down and my hair is going all over my face and in my mouth. That’s my life.  

Why a convertible? 

I thought it would hold its value a bit more than a hardtop. I also like that it feels like I’m on holiday with the roof down when going for a long drive up north.  

Any plans for another car? 

Not yet, but I did test drive a 1967 Pontiac Firebird.  

If you had to describe your car as a celebrity? 

Paris Hilton or Nicole Ritchie. It is pretty to look at but not practical in the slightest.  

When this car was introduced as a concept, the carmaker said it would polarise people. Is that the reaction you get? 

Ha ha, yes, absolutely. A lot of people come over and talk to me about it. They mostly think it’s an interesting car, and they are intrigued as to why I purchased it. It’s a great little conversation starter. You either love it or you hate it.   

And its looks have been described as “almost sculptural”? 

With its lines and interesting-shaped back it does look sculptural. I wanted a car that was unique; and different to the normal also fits with my brand. And I knew that the performance would be no issue with a Mercedes engine.  

Who else drives it? 

I do not even let the Warrant of Fitness people drive it.  

How often do you clean it? 

A couple of times a month; it depends if I have had kiddies in the car.  

Who kicked off your interest in cars?  

I have always loved old classic cars. My father definitely led me - he has had some incredible cars over the years. I’ve learnt all sorts from watching him build and restoremany classics.

I learnt to drive when I was about seven years old, steering the wheel up my uncle’s farm's driveway in an old Land Cruiser.  

What’s your dream car? 

I have many but a few would be: the 1967 Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Dodge Challenger, 1970 Porsche 911 and the 1970 SL Mercedes convertible. They are all so sleek and masculine.  

Favourite movie car scene? 

Steve McQueen driving his Porsche 911 in Le Mans. 

Top driving songs? 

A few artists: Sade, Devendra Banhart, Pop Levi, The Modern Lovers and The Growlers. 

Your thoughts on EVs and driverless cars? 

They are great for some people, but I would miss the steering wheel in my hands and being in control of something in my life.  

And it’s a sunny Sunday afternoon, where do you head? 

I would have to flip a coin to see which nephew gets to come hang out with me for the day; and then we would go to the beach for the afternoon.  

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