The Gran with plenty of grunt

She's the nana every boy racer wishes they had.

For great-grandmother Rona McKay, nothing beats cruising Christchurch streets in her $80,000, custom-fitted, 2008 Mitsubishi Evo.

She waited six months for the one-of-a-kind vehicle to be shipped to New Zealand and fitted out with white leather interior, heated seats and a black racing stripe.

And the reaction from the city's young boy racers?

"Respect," the 71-year-old said.

"Especially the young ones, they're so envious of me, and I don't snub any of them.

"They give me the thumbs-up and I give them the thumbs-up."

McKay was encouraged to buy the car by her husband of 55 years, Clive, who has just bought a new Lexus hybrid.

"He said 'we've worked hard for our money, why don't you get yourself a car'?"

There was only one drawback: When the vehicle arrived, five-foot-one (1.55m) McKay found she couldn't see over the steering wheel.

So she had the seat raised - and while she was at it, added the white leather seats, a rear camera for reversing and cruise control.

"I've got everything. Once I got it done to what I wanted, there was no stopping me."

McKay, who has four children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, said her family are eyeing up the car - "but I'm going to drive it till I'm 100".

And though she's sometimes tempted to put the foot down, McKay, whose previous ride was a Honda Jazz, said she's still a careful driver.

"Especially with the grandchildren - even though they're egging me on in the backseat."

Grandson Joshua McKay, 17, said he was impressed with her choice. But until he gets a full licence, he'll be stuck driving the family Ford Fiesta.

"It's always good to go driving with Nana. One day she might let me have a cruise in it."