Driver of the Week: John Eberhart

Age: 48.

Hometown: St. Joseph, Missouri.

Why I Drive: I love being mobile. I was tied to a desk (not literally, but sometimes it felt that way) for 26 years. Now I’m out and about, indulging my restless nature.

What I do when I’m not driving: I have many obsessions. I love walking, kayaking, bicycling, and traveling. Wow … that all involves motion, too, doesn’t it? Maybe I’ve read William Least Heat-Moon’s “Blue Highways” one too many times!

Personal car: 2006 Mercury Montego. I thought it was kind of an “old man” car when I got it, but now I love the smooth ride. Plus, I’m getting to be kind of a geezer, so it fits.

First car: 1966 Chevrolet Impala. It had a 327 V8 engine with a racing cam. I went through two clutches while I had it, much to my dad’s displeasure. The car was very, very fast. I scared a few passengers with it.

Favorite limo moment: I was driving a prom in April, and the kids kept putting the divider up and down. On one of the “up” cycles, one of the girls said to her friend, “But I like SEEING him!” I took it as a compliment.

Nickname: I like bow ties. A couple of my passengers have referred to me as “The Penguin.”