All systems are a go – engines, drivers, and shopping list!
Alan Thomson, a motor enthusiast, has taken his weekly errand run to an unconventional height by choosing his vibrant yellow Formula One car as his mode of transport.
This 54-year-old motors aficionado routinely drives his striking vehicle around highways and city centres, even going as far as making pit stops at his local supermarket or Greggs for a quick sausage roll and coffee run. The catch? There’s not much room for his grocery bags in his car.
Purchasing this bespoke Furore Formula car from London, Thomson had it shipped back to his residence in Glasgow. Known for turning heads wherever he goes, Thomson often gets stopped by enthusiasts who just want to take a photo or even hop in this exclusive driver’s seat. This delight for speed fanatics, the Furore, is one of only six of its kind in the UK, crafted by the renowned car engineer Russ Bost.
Though it may not have graced any race tracks, it boasts features that could make it a worthy contender. “The car certainly draws a lot of attention when I’m on the road or parked somewhere. It’s something I’ve gotten used to,” says Thomson. And the question he’s most frequently asked about his unusual grocery runs? How and where he fits his shopping in the car. He usually has just enough space for his bags behind the driver’s seat, a spot that can also take a passenger.
This classic car enthusiast, who has been engaged in motor trade for most of his life, once owned an iconic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. His first car, a vintage Volkswagen Beetle, was bought in 1988 for £50 and later sold for £1500.
With its lack of a roof, Thomson’s Furore only gets driven in good weather conditions and is usually locked away in a garage for the winter season. Cars of similar built, such as those owned by illustrious drivers like Lewis Hamilton, yield only about four miles per gallon. However, the Furore impressively manages to give up to 30 miles per gallon.
Additionally, this Furore is fully compliant with Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone regulations and has passed its MOT. This petrol-driven speedster can reach a stunning speed of up to 170mph and can get to 60mph in under four seconds.
Security-conscious Alan never lets his car out of his sight when parking and uses an eight-year-old Land Rover Discovery as a substitute during poor weather conditions.
“There’s an unparalleled sense of joy from driving the car out in the fresh air, leaving all my problems behind for a few hours. It certainly offers the ultimate driving experience,” Thomson adds.
Alan refrains from revealing the purchasing cost of the car. However, a typical Furore may cost around £36,000, far less than an original Formula One car that notably costs millions. The vehicle is a frequent crowd-pleaser at classic car exhibitions, and Thomson regularly makes appearances at these events.
His adventures are also documented and have found a following on YouTube via the Auto Shenanigans channel. Curious readers can find the video here.