Stars & their Cars

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Stars & their Cars: Vicki Butler-Henderson

By Andy Welch
Stars & their Cars: Vicki Butler-Henderson
Vicki Butler-Henderson, 33, was born in Hertfordshire. She became interested in motor racing when she was eight and went on to become one of the country's top young drivers.
By 17, she was an instructor at circuits such as Silverstone and Brands Hatch. She became a regular on BBC 2's "Top Gear" in 1997, and in 2002, moved to five's "Fifth Gear". Vicki currently presents "The Biggest Loser" on LivingTV, and has also fronted the British Touring Car Championship for ITV1.
What do you drive?
Vicki with model & racing driver Jodie Kidd
Vicki with model & racing driver Jodie Kidd
A Honda S2000. It's like a Yorkie bar - not for girls.
What was your first car?
An MG Metro.
What was your best/worst car?
I'm pretty happy with my car at the moment. I don't think I've ever owned a bad car, I suppose I'm pretty well placed to never buy an absolute duffer.
What is your dream car?
A Lamborghini Diablo GT. I drove one at the factory in Italy, it's just such an awesome beast. You have to respect it, and, being a racing driver, there are very few cars that test your ability. That car does. It's a proper driver's car.
Do you consider yourself to be a good driver?
Yes I do. Only because I've been racing since I was 12 (I've got the qualifications to back it up). I'm not the kind of person to say 'Yeah, I'm a brilliant driver,' but I've been a racer, and a racing instructor, so I guess I must be all right.
What do you always keep in your glovebox?
Suncream - because I've got a convertible, and make-up removal pads.
What drives you mad behind the wheel?
Lack of observation from other drivers. People approaching roundabouts without looking at the traffic properly, things like that.
What's the best music to drive to?
Have you ever had a crash?
Only on the racetrack, thankfully.
Who would be your perfect passenger?
Ewan McGregor and Mark Webber, the F1 driver. But they'd have to fight it out, because I've only got a two-seater.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done in a car?
I don't think I can comment on that, there are far too many things, and far too many possible repercussions if I told you.
Who cleans your car, and how often?
I get it done when I go to a big car park. The only reason I don't do it anymore is I spent seven years as a road tester on different car magazines, washing cars at the top of a mountain range with a stinking chamois leather. I've done more than my fair share I think.
Vicki can be seen on Fifth Gear, Monday nights on five at 8pm.

Vicki Butler-Henderson gallery


Click on an image to enlarge it
Lamborghini Diablo GT
Honda S2000
MG Metro
VB-H with former offshore world champion Jean-Marc Giraldi
VB-H with racing driver and model Jodie Kidd
VB-H and "Biggest Loser" team
VB-H with racing driver and model Jodie Kidd
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