After weeks of pain and visits to the local workshop, and after taking the engine and gearbox apart (all to find the mysterious leak), she is finally back on the road. All the new nuts and bolts, pipes, gaskets, pumps, oils and lubrication have given renewed energy to my turbo star.

Actually after about 500km of road testing, I took her on the track for a gentle stretch - once again revealing majestic handling and incomparable traction. Now wearing Michelin Sport Cup tyres and H&R suspension, my 408bhp Carrera Turbo has become a supreme track car.

These new rubber shoes now make me feel like I can throw the car into corners at racecar-like speed, as the back end follows obediently - like it has never done before. The grip never seems to fade (lap after lap) and the whole balance of the car has definitely made a step forward with these wonderful boots.

Driving a 1994 project car with no electronic aids, and still brushing corners at very decent pace, is something to behold, it really is. Its intoxicating feedback is priceless, even after I had to entertain a bitter $ 2,000 - and then some - bill. Never mind... who said dating a super model would be cheap.