yeah that was my inclination too, i wouldn't be at all surprised if old mate has some deep trauma relating to sports cars.
Ivonin, its funny you say that about working your way up in engine size, myself and a good mate of mine were the only two who owned big 6's and 8's in our high school years and we are now the only ones who have never had a crash of any kind. all my other mates however, ridding in 3 and 4 bangers all managed to hit something.