GARRY Bushell has been one of Britain’s most feared TV critics for several decades. Currently writing his Bushell on the Box column for the Daily Star, he pulls no punches and leaves TV celebrities dreading the arrival of the paperboy. A rock music writer and musician, he has more than one string to his bow, including author and parliamentary wannabe. For more on Garry visit www.garry-bushell.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @GarryBushell
What was your first car?
It was a ten-year-old Singer Chamois, which looked like a Hillman Imp and felt like a motorised hair dryer. I bought it second-hand, probably more like fifth-hand in 1978 when I passed my test. I couldn't tell you how much it cost but as we were pot-less at the time, not much. Every time I filled up the tank it doubled in value. We moved on to a 76 Granada as soon as I could afford it.
How many times did it take to pass your test?
I passed at the second attempt because I had to - my eldest daughter was just about due and we needed the car for the hospital dash.
Who would be your ideal fantasy passenger and where would you go?
Someone funny would be ideal - so Billy Connolly or Denise Van Outen. I'd like to see places I've never seen before, like Iceland or southern Sweden, but would settle for the classic New York to LA trek - especially if we could stop off and see Chris Rock or Jay Leno live en route.
What is your dream car?
The mighty Aston Martin One-77 of course, it's beauty on wheels, but I can't see that dream ever becoming a reality. If you twisted my arm I'd put up with a Rapide, which looks nearly as good but steers better.
How would you describe your driving style?
Like a cross between Clarkson and Johnny Cab from Total Recall.
Tell me one driving anecdote from your past?
Only one? Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson nearly killed me by accident by driving us the wrong way onto a freeway into four lanes of oncoming traffic. There was a collision, but mercifully a minor one. Scary as that was it wasn't quite as terrifying as being driven around Las Vegas by Engelbert...
What are you listening to?
Everything from Rancid to Elvis, but I like a lot of newer bands too, especially the Blues Pills and The Backhanders.
What do you drive now?
We have just had our family Rav 4 written off in a road accident. A German aggregate lorry swung into us off a slip road on the M25 and so we're thanking our lucky stars - and Toyota for making the car so solid. The accident will give me a chance to argue for a Jag, probably a second-hand Jaguar XK8 Coupe.
Once I'm over the concussion that is.
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