Phil Keoghan and His 1977 Corolla SR Coupe

At a time when the world needs some uplifting, Phil Keoghan is here to deliver. The host and producer of the Emmy Award-winning “The Amazing Race,” has a new show premiering on CBS in July that couldn’t be more timely.

“Tough as Nails” is a competition series that celebrates the hard-working Americans that keep this country running. The cast will include firefighters, farmers, construction workers and more who will compete in real life challenges that will take place in the real world – construction sites, oil fields, a fire academy, etc. Only one will be crowned the winner of “Tough as Nails.” 

The show, which Keoghan co-hosts and is an executive producer along with his wife Louise Keoghan, was created and filmed prior the pandemic. But now more than ever, many are recognizing the importance of these workers. 

Keoghan’s work has taken to all corners of the world. But his traveling began in earnest with road trips through his native New Zealand.

What was your first car?  

A 1977 Toyota Corolla SR Coupe which I paid $4,995 for. 

How did you acquire it?  

I bought it from a car yard in Christchurch, New Zealand when I was 18 and got my first job in television. 

What did you love most about it?  

It was red, looked aggressive and had an awesome sounding engine…the previous owner had drilled holes in the exhaust!  Sorry former neighbors. 

What didn’t you like about it?  

It had a structural alignment issue causing the car to do weird things over 70 miles an hour. 

What’s your best memory of it?  

A massive road trip around the South Island of New Zealand while playing Paul Simon’s new Graceland album and Bobby McFerrin’s song, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” over and over. 

What happened to the car? 

I sold it in a private sale. 

For more celebrity stories, visit AAA.com/MyFirstCar.