This is a story about a drive. Not just any drive, but an eCoty drive. Part one is nearly over. All we need is a few last shots – at a location 35 miles away.

I jump in the IS-F and set off on my own. This is good. I’m proud of my Lexus. It’s earned itself a thoroughly creditable fifth place and everyone agrees it makes the best noise here and is stealthier than a ninja’s shadow.

It’s not being very stealthy right now, though, tearing along the B4391. This is one of my all-time favourite roads, and right here, right now, I can’t think of any car I’d rather be driving it in. The Caterham may have put me in closer touch with the tarmac, and the M3 saloon may technically be the better car – superior ride, purer steering and a sense that every component is in perfect harmony. But what the BMW lacks is the Lexus’s rabidity. The German car is more austere, too calm and professional, where the IS-F just wants to have fun. Which is what it’s doing. I barely use any gear other than third, which seems ironic when I have eight to choose from, while the chassis feels truly keyed in to every dip, swerve, crest and camber.

What do I learn about my oriental express? That it relishes these roads as much as I do, is eager to entertain, has the talent to do so, and later, after another blast back to home, that it can drain its tank in 150 miles, averaging 12.7mpg. Worth it, so worth it.