► Mike Robson shares his personal icon
► A petrolhead with a Porsche 996 GT3
► Addictive performance on road and track
> ‘Luckily, I bought my 996 GT3 a few years ago before the prices went crazy. It’s a 2004 model. I wanted a track car that I could just drive all day without bits falling off and then simply drive home and put it in the garage until next time. I initially considered the Noble M12, but my wife vetoed it because of its lack of ABS and airbags so I tried a GT3. The first example I drove just felt out of sorts, but I was recommended to go to JZM in Kings Langley, who have a great reputation, and I bought one they had on the spot.
> ‘It’s a brilliant car, and it comes alive on the track. It talks to you. There’s real pleasure in pushing it on a circuit, but that’s something you build up to. There are a lot of newer cars that anyone can get into and drive 100mph everywhere. The GT3 takes a bit more time and respect.
> ‘The set-up on the GT3 is completely adjustable and 9e in Surrey did a superb job of getting the suspension and geometry just right. I did change the ceramic brakes because they cost a fortune to replace but the steel discs are excellent.
> ‘I would like to do more track days a year and if I have the time and the money Spa is definitely on the list. In the UK Goodwood is my favourite track. It’s very fast and quite unforgiving – a real challenge and it’s always good to remember that the GT3 has teeth. My wife drives an Impreza Turbo, which I also love. It’s such a friendly and forgiving car that’s always on your side. You can’t quite say the same about the GT3.
> ‘I don’t drive it much on the road to be honest. There’s no way you can exploit or really appreciate its performance on the road. However, the feeling that it gives me looking over my shoulder and listening to it ticking away as it cools down after some properly fast laps is just special.
> ‘I love all cars and driving. I started marshalling in my free time with my local car club, then started rallying and I just adored it. I used to rally a 1300 and then a 2.6 Safety Device-built Vauxhall Chevette and competed in the ACSMC and other tarmac championships. The GT3 reminds me of how I used to focus on getting my rally car’s set-up just so. I love it, and it’s a keeper. Even if I won the lottery and went for something newer such as a Cayman GT4, the GT3 is staying in my garage.’