During my time testing vehicles I have had the privilege of driving just about every sports, prestige and vintage car model on Australian roads. So I’m often asked the question, “Which have been the most memorable?”

My top five vehicles are as follows:

1. 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo

My number one car would have to be the Lamborghini Gallardo. Few of us will ever get the chance to take one for a spin through the streets of Sydney, so as a car-lover I was just happy to be sitting behind the wheel. Aside from the excitement-factor, the looks and the handling were everything I expected from the Lamborghini stable. It’s a thoroughly impressive car.

2. 2006 Aston Martin DB9

Next in line is the Aston Martin DB9. As a James Bond fan this was always a dream car for me. I’d previously driven a 1971 model DBS but the finish on the 2006 DB9 can’t be matched; no expense has been spared with any aspect of its fit out.

3. 2005 Ferrari 360

Everybody loves a Ferrari and I had the privilege to drive several models including the F355, 360 Spider, 512 TR and even the 550 Barchett. But the 360 Modena, with the glass bonnet, was my favourite. The distinctive Ferrari look, the power and the sound of the exhaust puts it in my top five.

4. 2006 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The GT3 RS was a standout among the Porsches I’ve driven. It’s basically a street-registrable race car. It was equipped with fully adjustable suspension, racing seats, harness, roll cage and Ceramic Composite Brakes – everything needed to race it on the track or in a Targa rally.

5. 1930 Cadillac V16 Series 452 ‘Madam X’ 7 seater Limousine

As you can see I love testing and driving late model sports cars, but I have to include a very rare 1930 Cadillac in my top five. It has a great history being one of only five right-hand-drive versions produced for use in the US Diplomatic core in London during WWII. It remained in service until the early post-war period, spent time in storage before being shipped back to America and eventually it found its way to Australia. We can only imagine what was discussed in the rear of the limousine on the way to and from parliament during the height of the war.

Although pleasurable, the Cadillac was also one of the most difficult vehicles I have ever driven, not helped by the fact that the road test was completed in North Sydney during peak hour. Trying to turn the Cadillac around in tight, traffic filled streets was a nerve-racking experience. Added to this was the challenge of working out the pattern for the 3 speed gearbox plus the controls on the dash and steering wheel. Despite this it will always remain in my top 5.

What are the vehicles you’d like to sit behind the wheel of, however unlikely, before you die?