Dane Silk

• Position: Vehilce Benefits Specialist

A bit about me…

Growing up in Sydney's Western Suburbs, I've always been surrounded by modified cars and the whole culture that goes with it. Like most car nuts I inherited my passion for cars from my father. I got lost in a pile of his old magazines one day and that was all it took, really - from that day forward I've been absolutely mad about all things 4-wheeled. My love of engineering and mechanical wonders grew from there.

Driving has never been a chore for me. I enjoy a spirited drive up a mountain road or a leisurely cruise down the highway whenever I get the chance. I choose cars that suit my lifestyle. I love driving in my Valiant with my girlfriend next to me on the bench seat, windows down and just taking it easy.

I have a particular soft spot for classic and vintage cars but recently was given a chance to drive Nissan's 370Z Roadster which was an exhilarating drive. Holden's range of performance Utes are the current apples of my eye.

My AutoPackage

I'm a little lucky in that the cars I like to drive don't depreciate, but it's unfortunate that I can't package a car that's 45 years old! I've got my eye on a Holden Thunder Ute for its maximum tax benefit, but at the moment my heart is torn. My VC Valiant is a joy to drive and it's hard to think about changing out of it, however the allure of a brand new car and reducing my tax is hard to resist…

First car

My first car was a VG Valiant with deceased running gear. The best memory I have of that car was completing my first engine rebuild and transmission overhaul and driving it out of the paddock. My current project is a 1973 Pontiac GTO handed down from my Dad, and it's fitting that I'm using the knowledge that he gave me to restore it.

Favourite road trip

One of my favourite journeys would have to be a road trip I took in my VC Valiant with some of my good friends who are also Auto-Tragics. Two classic Australian cruisers and a HSV made their pilgrimage to Mt Panorama, where my first real drive around the track was a very special experience and quite an eye-opener as I traversed the circuit's daunting crests and bends.

My Valiant on the right, what a great trip...

Climbing the mountain brought images of Brock, Moffat and Bond in the early days getting sideways out of The Cutting and thundering through McPhillamy Park, then dropping into Skyline and wondering how anyone negotiates The Dipper any faster than 50km/h... the whole experience just blew me away. Actually I'm not sure how you go down The Esses without wanting to pull over and take in the view!

What I like most about Autopia

That's easy, it's the people. Cars are always good at bringing people together and the people here are a joy to work with. I get to talk about cars with my clients and then talk about them some more in the lunch room. I've always been good with finance and mathematics, so squeezing every last drop of tax benefit out of a car is something I get a real buzz out of.