MY CAR: Man's domain
PHUKET: There was an up side to Bhaitoon Phitaktam’s purchase of his red 1975 Alfa Romeo 2000 – his wife won’t drive it.
Friday 15 July 2011, 06:54AM
Because of its heavy steering and clutch, Mr Bhaitoon’s wife finds it difficult to handle so avoids driving it.
“I like its power, it’s a man's car. It is the first non-German European car that can run faster than a German car,” he said.
The TOT officer bought the car five years ago, along with a purple one with a smaller engine. Under the guidance of his friend, Mr Bhaitoon sold the smaller one, and kept the red car for himself.
When he was younger, he fell in love with the Alfa cars because he found out one of his favourite Thai musicians owned one.
His car has a twin cam GTV 2.0 L engine with 132 horsepower, and reaches a top speed of 200km/h.
It was built in 1975, and when Mr Bhaitoon bought the car it came with an original engine, and even a car jack from the original owner. Mr Bhaitoon has since completely refitted the car - including a new leather interior - to the tune of B600,000.
He takes his car out once every week or two for a spin, but sometimes goes to Surat Thani where he says (quietly) his car can reach speeds of 170km/h.
“Not many people have this kind of car and if they have it, they normally keep it for show or as a toy.”
