KATIE’S STORY

‘I never felt I couldn’t do it because of my gender'

Katie Bushell: mechanic, enthusiast, YouTuber, Bright Spark!

When did you first know that you were a petrolhead?

'I can’t really remember a time that I wasn’t! Both my parents are big into cars and I’ve been going to shows for as long as I can remember. It’s sort of been bred into me. Even as a kid in primary school it was always about cars… I’d spend every playtime running around pretending I was driving a car (almost always a Focus RS MkI for anyone curious).'

Why do old cars inspire you?

'I love the simplicity. Compared to all the modern stuff I work on for my day job, they’re a walk in the park! In fact, sometimes stuff is so straightforward, it ends up confusing me more. I love seeing how far technology has advanced too, and how early versions of it came about. The Bosch K-Jetronic system in my Audi 100 Avant is equal amounts fascinating as it is terrifying. I did my apprenticeship at an independent VAG specialist, and sometimes we’d have something interesting come in, like a Corrado or a 968, although I didn’t fully start working on older stuff until I got my own though.'

What is it with the Scirocco?

'I’ve always loved the Scirocco, even the MkIII. While I was an apprentice my mentor encouraged me to find a project, but MkIIs were pricey. Once I was qualified and on a bit more money I started looking again, and found this one for sale just outside of Leeds. I love any Eighties coupé, so I really adore the Scirocco, and I love how it’s a bit different, and not a car you see all the time compared to something like the Golf. That rear quarter angle with the spoiler is just to die for, too!'

YouTube. How did you start?

'There’s a lot of car YouTubers out there, but not a lot of women (although thankfully that is changing!). I thought maybe if other women saw me working on a car, they’d get the confidence to give it a go. I’ve never felt I couldn’t do somet