Phil Spencer
Twenty car questions with property man Phil Spencer
Words by Mark Slack
Phil Spencer is the co-presenter, with long time TV partner Kirstie Allsopp, of the long-running Channel 4 series Location, Location, Location, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, Love It or List It and many other programmes. One of the best-known faces on British television he has published books, written regular columns and features for leading newspapers and lifestyle magazines. Phil was awarded an MBE for services to charity, particularly homelessness charity St Mungo’s for whom he has been Patron for over 20 years. He also likes cars!
What’s your first motoring memory?
Driving a tractor at about 14, a Massey Ferguson 135, which is perhaps no surprise being a farmer’s son. I do have a hankering for an old tractor but have no use for one so it’s impractical really, but a nice idea.
What was your first car and at what age did you acquire it?
My Grandmother’s Vauxhall Chevette automatic, in a dubious shade of brown! It was a pass-down car. Friends named it the ‘Shove-it’ as they thought they could push it faster than it would drive, it was so slow.
What cars do you own now?
We have a Jaguar F-Pace and a MINI John Cooper Works. When I was filming in New Zealand we had an F-Pace and I loved it. When I got home, I asked Jaguar if I could borrow one for a few days so that my wife could try it. We both liked the car Jaguar loaned us, so much so we asked if we could buy it and Jaguar said yes! My wife mostly drives the MINI but I do love it, it’s good fun.
I also have a Jensen 541 which was Dad’s car. He was a big fan of British engineering and also had a Jensen Interceptor FF. When he passed away, I got the 541, and my Brother had the Interceptor. He never really got on with it so sold it and bought another 541. We now have one each! I also have an MGC and, obviously being a farmer’s son, a Land Rover Defender!
Approximately how many miles do you drive each year?
Not as many as you might think because although I cover many miles, I’d never be able to function if I drove all the time. Most of my miles are in the back of a Mercedes Benz S-Class, very comfortable and spacious and I’ve had the same driver for years so it works well.
Which is your ‘go to’ car for everyday use?
The MINI John Cooper Works, but if it’s longer runs, holidays or a car full of people we’ll take the F-Pace.
Is there a particular car that you regret selling?
A ‘J’ registered VW Golf GTi MK2 in oak green. I was doing a lot of driving in London and really needed an automatic to make life easier so bought a BMW 318i.
What do you look for in a car?
I like a slightly older car with higher specification, I’ve only ever bought one new car, back in 2005. It was an Audi S4 and I sold it not that long ago.
If money was no object, what car would you buy?
An Aston Martin DB5, to my eyes all Aston Martins are beautiful looking cars, but the DB5 would be my choice.
Is there a particular car you aspire to own?
A DB5!
Would you consider buying an EV?
No, I’m not ready for an EV yet, but the Polestar models look good and the Audi RS etron looks very nice.
What’s the attraction of classic cars and what is your favourite motoring era?
Classic cars have to be driven, it’s more of an experience. Favourite era would be the 1950/60s as there were some great cars and I like the fact there were so many British cars too.
Enzo Ferrari reportedly described the Jaguar E-Type as the most beautiful car ever made. What’s your most beautiful car ever made?
DB5!
Are you a polisher, tinkerer or a rebuilder with your classic cars?
I would say a polisher and part time tinkerer. Thankfully I have friends with classic British cars who can fix things and almost relish a breakdown as it’s a chance to get the tools out!
What do you listen to in the car; podcast, radio, music?
Mainly radio but on a longer journey it’ll be a podcast. In my Jensen or MGC of course you don’t need music, just listening to the engine is music enough.
What’s in your glovebox?
In the Jensen it’s a 1963 AA Members handbook that was my Dad’s, the year he bought the car. There’s also a single driving glove that was Dad’s but I have no idea what’s happened to the other one. The interior is original and it’s nice because it all reminds me of him when I’m driving it.
What’s the one essential feature you like in a car?
A heated steering wheel!
Who is your ideal passenger for a memorable road trip and why?
It would be Sir Ian Botham. I’m a great cricket fan, and play too, and he’s a boyhood hero.
Where would your road trip take you?
The North Coast 500 would be good, but if it were in a classic car it’d have to be shipped up there given the distance. In Europe a drive over the Alps into Monaco would be on my bucket list.
House & Lifestyle thanks Phil for his time in giving us this interview.
Words by Mark Slack
