WHAT do you love about your car?

Are you a classic car enthusiast who likes to show off your vintage motor at rallies? Or do you have a new car that's your pride and joy?

We want to hear from T&A readers about their beloved cars - and what makes them so special.

Maybe your first car was the one you will always love. Or maybe you've finally got the car of your dreams. Or perhaps it remains a dream, and you know exactly what make and model you're aiming for.

We're launching a new regular feature - My Car and Me - and you don't have to be a petrolhead to get involved. We'd love to hear from readers about their cars, big or small, old or new, classic or sporty, or just your beloved banger.

Getting 'My Car and Me' into top gear is Bradford First Bus driver and Speedway enthusiast John Murphy, who recalls his first car - a Toyota Starlet.

"I bought my first car in Northern Ireland. A haulier we used also had the Toyota dealership in Newcastle, County Down. He picked out a five-door Starlet, which one of his drivers I knew had ‘road tested’ for a few weeks to make sure it was 100per cent," says John.

"It was - and was the first of five more Toyotas I bought there.

"The chap who was co-owner was a wonderful chap, a councillor on Down Council. His son was an officer in the then RUC. Those were nervous times for the showroom, which was a target and had to be re-built after a terrorist bomb attack.

"But I loved my little adventures to collect the cars - using the ferry via the Cairnryan/Larne crossing.

"Bryansford is where the garage is located, two miles outside the town of Newcastle. It's a beautiful place - the dealership faces the Mourne Mountains and is directly opposite Tollymore Forest Park, a key filming location for Game Of Thrones!"

John bought his first Starlet from the Northern Ireland garage in 1985. "I didn’t pass my driving test until that year as I had a full motorcycle licence and never had the inclination (for a car)," he says. "I worked in Cullingworth and the winter weather was a real pain so four wheels seemed so luxurious in comparison!

"I had the Starlet for two years then took it back to Northern Ireland in part exchange for a Corolla Saloon."

To tell us about your motor, answer all or some of these questions and email them - with a photo of your car - to emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk - or use our link at the end to fill in the Q&A:

* What vehicle do you own (model/year) and how long for?

* Why did you decide to buy this particular vehicle?

* What do you mainly use it for and do you take it shows or events?

* What does your family think of your passion for vehicles?

* What was your first car?

* What is your dream vehicle and why?

* Would you ever go for an electric car, and if so, or not, why?

* What does a car say about its driver?

*What does your car say about you?

* What is your favourite road to drive on and why?

* Or click here to tell us about your car