First, I would like to thank you for being here. My name is Paula, and I’m Romanian. As you probably figured out, English is not my first language, so I appreciate your patience and understanding.
I created this website, Blacktag Octane, out of my passion for cars. I’ve been a petrol-head for over 20 years, but I recently started exploring the world of historic cars, and I’ve decided to share my journey with you.
As a teenager, I enjoyed spending time with my father while he worked on our car. I would help as much as I could by bringing him tools, holding the torch, or pretending I didn’t hear the bad words that came out when things went wrong. He bought me my first car, an Audi 100 from 1983. It was a diesel, without a turbo—lazy but safe. After driving a Corsa 1.2 with 45 hp, which I quickly grew to hate, I managed to sell it back to him for £350. This shows my budding entrepreneurial skills! With that money, I bought my dream car, a BMW E30.
I had two BMW E30s, and on the last one, I replaced around five engines. As you can imagine, I definitely put that car through its paces, but mechanically, it was in excellent condition. Unfortunately, I left my beloved PAU with someone who “kindly” sold the best parts and scrapped it afterward. That really hurt, but I couldn’t bring it with me to the UK.
Another major influence on my passion for cars has been my brother, who is like an encyclopedia when it comes to cars and loves to talk about them. I’ve always been a good listener, and I learned so much about cars without even realizing it.
What truly ignited my passion was the moment my brother introduced me to burnouts when I was 15 years old. We definitely got caught by my father, the owner of the Opel Astra 1.6i that was billowing smoke everywhere, but it was definitely worth the scolding!
I’ve experimented with everything from time-attack races to amateur drift events, off-roading, drag races, and more.
As time went by, I realized how important it is to choose a car that resonates with you and represents your personality. I have always enjoyed how a car can challenge you to discover and understand its workings, rewarding you with amazing experiences, a lot of fun, and a sense of security. I have transitioned from cars that could withstand abuse to soulless modern vehicles that are so sophisticated and comfortable that you can almost forget you’re driving. Recently, however, I’ve gravitated toward cars with character, which should be cherished as the timeless treasures they are. This is a new area for me, and I look forward to exploring it further.
And because birds of a feather flock together, I am grateful to have a supportive partner who encourages me to pursue my passion while also serving as my mentor. Although I’ve been involved in the automotive world for several years, I recently encountered some confusion when I learned about chains and wires used in brake systems. I realized I needed to explore this topic further to fully understand it. That’s the essence of Blacktag Octane. It embodies our passion for discovering those stubborn and moody classic cars that not only challenge us but also transport us to a realm where quality takes precedence over quantity. We are committed to ensuring that these timeless treasures are not forgotten, but rather appreciated for their true value. Together, we will uncover how these “blacktag” cars, despite their many years of existence, continue to bring joy and an authentic driving experience back to the road.
