When the Lottery started in Britain, almost every conversation started with “What would you do if you won the lottery?  What would you buy first?  Would you give some of the money away?”

Now that it has backed away from the limelight somewhat, people are getting on with their lives having come to terms with the fact that they aren’t likely to ever find out what they would do given a winning ticket.

One thing which I am asked every now and again is what kind of car I would buy if I won.  I really like cars and enjoy driving so it should be an easy question to answer, but when I’m asked I normally have to admit that I don’t have a clue what I’d buy - and not because I would have too many to choose from, rather because I can’t think of one “must have” car.

When reading magazines or watching Top Gear, I love to see the supercars, the Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamorghinis and Porsches - but I could never actually own one.  I’d be forever wondering what people are thinking about me, first of all for winning all that money and for now rubbing their noses in it by driving about in a big flash motor.  Most people probably wouldn’t care, but I’d still assume they did anyway.

I’ve always loved gadgets and shiny, expensive stuff - but not for show, if I’ve wanted something it’s because I’ve wanted it for me and not to impress other people.  A lot of Porsche and Lambo owners have them so they can show off to other people, or keep up with their friends and colleagues.  I’m not like that.

So, when asked this question I always try to think of something nice, but not too nice and it’s then that I struggle.

As I don’t want anything too flash, I have to bring my thoughts back down to earth a little - but I don’t really want something like a Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa either!

So it always comes down to picking a Q-car - one which looks relatively tame yet is a beast underneath.  Then my choices veer towards something like a BMW M3 or M5 - they are basically normal cars which have been modified to be incredibly fast and fun to drive, yet to the normal bloke in the street at a passing glance it could be any other 3-series or 5-series.

If I’m truthful, there is a car at the back of my mind that I would love to own.  It’s not very practical and I can’t see that I would ever drive one on the road no matter how much money I had - but I simply love the Ariel Atom.

Perhaps if I ever have that kind of cash lying about spare then I’ll get one and simply use it on track days only.  We can always dream!