When we run a blog as a couple, we often receive messages like “It’s great that you can talk about cars together as a couple,” “It’s wonderful that you share a car hobby as a couple.”

Indeed… talking about cars every day as a couple, running a blog together, and even doing a weekly YouTube live stream—I’m sure that’s pretty rare to find anywhere in Japan (laughs).

That said, there’s a tendency to think I’ve “always loved cars,” but in reality, before I met my husband, I had zero interest in cars. Not just a lack of interest—I was so indifferent that cars didn’t even register in the tiniest corner of my life, almost like I was ignoring them (lol).

So, for me to now be running a Porsche blog and chatting about cars daily with my husband, life really is interesting. And that means the wives (or partners) of those reading this blog might still have the potential to become car lovers—even starting now.

With that in mind, today I want to write about “How to Make Your Wife a Car Enthusiast, Especially a Porsche Enthusiast.” This isn’t a one-size-fits-all guide, but rather my personal perspective, so please understand that.

① Let Her Drive

The first and most important point to get your wife interested in Porsche (or cars in general) is to let her actually drive the Porsche.

It’s not about riding shotgun. The key is to have her sit in the driver’s seat and drive.

I believe the most crucial thing is for her to personally experience Porsche’s handling, feel, and driving performance behind the wheel. For me, the moment I actually became interested in Porsche and cars was when I test drove a Panamera at the dealership for the first time.

My husband kept asking, “Want to try a test drive? Want to drive?” but I always said, “No, I’m not interested, so I won’t go. I don’t need it.” Then one day at the dealership, the sales rep, Mr. H, said, “Since you’re here, why don’t you try driving too?” and reluctantly, I gave it a shot.

The moment I pressed the accelerator, within two seconds I thought, “What is this car?! It’s completely different from any car I’ve ever driven! It feels like my brain and the car are connected—this unity between driver and machine!” I was amazed and moved, and that’s when I started to love the Panamera.

So why isn’t riding shotgun enough?

Because with Porsche, “riding shotgun can often have the opposite effect.”

If you’re riding shotgun, a plush Mercedes-Benz S-Class or other luxury car will feel more comfortable and satisfying. Porsche’s suspension is firm, the ride can be bumpy depending on the road surface, and the low ride height limits visibility, so it’s not exactly comfortable (though once you get used to it, it becomes comfortable in its own way).

Once, when I rode shotgun in my husband’s GT3 through a busy city, my honest impression was, “What is this hard, uncomfortable car?!” Even though I already liked Porsche and understood it to some extent, I didn’t want to ride in it for too long. The heavy traffic made it even less pleasant.

But once we hit the highway and I got to take the wheel, I was blown away by the GT3’s road-hugging grip, the flatness and stability I’d never experienced before, and I was totally thrilled.

I thought, “GT3 really is amazing. This is just the beginning—I bet it can do even more! Incredible!” and I stayed excited for a long time after.

Porsche is all about driving. It’s essential to have your wife drive it herself.

Even if she says during a test drive, “No thanks, I don’t want to drive,” I think it’s best to say, “Trust me, just try driving once!” and encourage her to get behind the wheel.

Truly, “Hearing a hundred times isn’t worth one drive.”

② Let Her Experience an Open-Top Car

This isn’t limited to Porsche, but another great recommendation is to have her experience an open-top car.

If you have an open-top car at home or have the chance to test drive one, definitely let her ride in it. (In this case, riding shotgun might be fine.)

Just recently, a friend came over to our house, and I had her ride shotgun in the Boxster GTS with the roof down for a short drive. She was absolutely thrilled.

She had zero interest in cars and initially said, “Open cars are embarrassing.” But after a short drive, she said, “Is driving an open car really this amazing? I had no idea it was so wonderful!”

Honestly, I used to think open cars were just for show-offs or people trying to look cool. Even when I saw them on the street, I thought, “They just want to look cool.” But actually riding in one felt so amazing! It’s completely different from a regular car. Feeling the wind while driving is incredible! I thought I’d be self-conscious about people watching, but it felt so good that I didn’t care at all. Now I want an open car!

She said that (laughs).

I’m not saying “open cars are everything,” and every car has its own appeal. But the charm of an open car is easy to understand.

Without going into details like “how the suspension feels,” “how the handling is,” or “how the engine performs,” just one minute in an open car lets you feel that joy and extraordinary experience firsthand.

③ Go on Drives Together as a Couple

It’s great to go driving alone sometimes, but I also think it’s nice to go on drives together with your wife occasionally.

Of course, if you have small children, it can be hard to go out just the two of you. Our youngest just turned four, so it’s still rare for us to go on drives alone as a couple.

But if your situation allows, inviting her out for a drive together and sharing time through your car is a wonderful thing.

Cars have a unique way of sparking all kinds of conversations. Sitting side by side, both facing forward, you naturally end up talking about things you might not discuss at home—like your future or dreams.

If your husband always enjoys driving alone freely, you might sometimes feel “Hmm…” But being invited out occasionally and going on drives together as a couple is truly a joy. (She might say “No” at first, but deep down, she’ll be happy.)

Those are the three key points to help your wife become a car enthusiast.

That said, this isn’t everything, and it won’t happen overnight—it takes time. It also depends on your family’s situation.

But even sharing a little bit of the joy of cars as a couple is a wonderful thing, and I hope this article can be of some help.