In the mid 80s, the old man dropped a recon lump in 2dr Mk2 Escort Auto. The customer couldn't pay him so they did a deal and he gave it to mum. Even then, the 'older' boys would knock on the door asking if we would sell it! I bought lowering blocks and springs off a next dour neighbour hoping mum wouldn't notice, but Dad did and I got a major bollocking.
Mum bought a brand new car on the early 90s, I passed my test and the Escort got modified albeit very late 80s early 90s stylee!