Talking to David Richards CBE – the good things in life

Chairman of Prodrive, ex-Chairman of Aston Martin and ex-Team Principal of both the BAR and Benetton F1 racing teams, David Richards richly deserved the CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) he was awarded in 2005.  We asked him about the cars he enjoys on the rare occasions he’s not working … 

What was your first car – and who was your car-collecting mentor?

My very first car was an Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite – painted bright yellow. But I’ve had no particular mentor; I just buy cars that appeal to me, or that have some historic value within Prodrive’s past.

And what was the one that got away?

There are lots that got away but the one I most regret is the Aston Martin DB3S I sold about 10 years ago.

A word of advice for someone starting out?

Acquire cars because you love them – and not just because you think they’re going to appreciate in value – and then make sure you enjoy them.
 

Where will your cars be in 100 years’ time?

Each of my children has adopted one car from my collection, and I find myself hoping that their grandchildren will still be enjoying them in 100 years’ time.

Would you be happier to see classic car prices double in the next five years, or halve?

It’s obviously reassuring to see the value of your cars appreciate over time, but the enjoyment of driving them is every bit as important to me.

What’s your daily driver?

An Aston Martin Rapide.

Do you collect anything other than cars?

I have a small collection of watches, but nothing particularly special.

What’s on your wrist at the moment?

A white gold Rolex Daytona with a yellow leather strap.

Finally, where shall we drive for lunch?

I couldn’t recommend anything better than to drive down to Cornwall and have lunch on the terrace at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes – but then where else could I suggest? [In case you’re wondering, David owns the hotel...]