My Preferred Seat: Right Behind the Bus Driver

As far as I can remember, I've loved cars since I was three. I only ever wanted toy cars. As soon as I was old enough to notice, my favorite seat was right behind the bus driver. Back then, I'd watch, fascinated, as they double-clutched and navigated, thinking, 'So that's how you drive.'

I continued my car-obsessed childhood and got my license right at 19. My first purchase was a "City Turbo II," affectionately known as the "Bulldog." I loved its blister fenders. It was a manual, no power steering, and the windows were hand-cranked. I think I bought it used for about 600,000 yen on a loan. From there, I gradually moved up.

The Deciding Factor for the 911: Right-Hand Drive + Manual Transmission

For a while, I was really into skiing, so I mostly drove SUVs. Before the 911, I was set on "open-top MT" cars like the Porsche "Boxster," "Alpina," and BMW "M Roadster." But then I suddenly developed a sun allergy (laughs) while driving the M Roadster.

Honestly, I love that subtle thrill when someone asks, 'What car is that?' and I can smirk, like with my Alpina. But the reason I chose the 911 was simply because it's such a sporty car, and it came with an MT option (laughs). I already knew Porsche's MTs had a great shift feel from my Boxster days, but this 911 is so enjoyable that I find myself shifting gears just for the sake of it. Plus, the availability of a "right-hand drive" option was a big plus.

All-wheel drive was also a requirement. I used to own an Audi "S4," and I found that AWD offers a completely different level of stability in bad weather, like rain. Narrowing down my options based on those criteria, I landed on the 911 Carrera 4S (2009 model).

The 911's Adorable Rear Fenders

I used to live in Kanagawa, so I drove the Turnpike frequently. Even now that I've moved to Chiba, I can't resist driving out there about once every two months. Driving the 911, I was reminded anew of just how exceptional it is. The braking confidence is incredible. Some cars I've owned would fade quickly, but I haven't experienced anything like that since I started driving the 911.

Race tracks? I go a few times a year. I also attend driving schools. My driving shoes are practically always in the car. When I feel like going for a drive, I change into them as soon as I get in.

The 911's greatest charm is, without a doubt, its styling. I particularly adore the wide, flared rear fenders, exclusive to the 4S. The front has a rather cute look. Even for daily use, as long as you keep up with regular maintenance, it's not overly expensive, and it's wonderful that it offers a decent level of practicality despite being a sports car.

A Three-Car Lineup: 911, Cinquecento, and Sharan

Besides the 911, my current cars are a Fiat "500 (Cinquecento)" and a Volkswagen "Sharan." The Sharan is incredibly convenient! Honestly, I never cared much for sliding doors, but getting children in and out is unbelievably easy. Plus, it drives solidly, and thanks to VW's signature dual-clutch transmission "DSG," it handles like a sports car. Even with its modest 1.4-liter engine, it easily climbs hills with its 2-ton weight. German manufacturers' development capabilities today are truly amazing.

European Cars Just Have Better Design

The Sharan has paddle shifters with its DSG. I'll probably keep it in manual mode from the day I get it until I trade it in (laughs). The Sharan is certainly fun, but that feeling of a knowing smirk only comes with a manual transmission. I use the Fiat 500 mainly as a runabout.

Once, at a self-service gas station, I was refueling my Porsche when I overheard a mother telling her child, 'Look, what a beautiful car!' European cars really do have great design. I'm generally someone who cherishes things and uses them for a long time, but when it comes to cars, I'm different (laughs).



Hiroki ANDOH
Born in 1967. Joined TBS as an announcer in 1991. In addition to hosting programs like "Waratte Iitomo!," "Hirunandesu," and "Kattoku!," he co-hosts "Shuumatsu Asobi Navi" on TBS Radio with Yoshinari Tsuji, introducing adult leisure activities centered around cars. Known as a car enthusiast, he has owned over 30 cars.