Almost two out of three men would trade in a girlfriend for their dream car, a new report has revealed.

The survey of 1,000 male car owners shows that 55 per cent rated motors as their top priority. This compares with just 16 per cent who said their partner was the most important part of their life.

The research showed that the average man spends almost four-and-a-half hours a week “preening” their car.

This is about an hour more than they spend making themselves look good for their partner.

Mechanic Andrew Lailey, 17, from Telford, said that giving up his girlfriend for a car would be a tough decision – although it would be a two-way decision.

He said: “It would depend a lot on who I am going out with at the time, and I would do it at the minute. To be honest, I am quite surprised to hear that it is 55 per cent.”

Mr Lailey, who says a Ford Mustang is his “ultimate dream car” also admitted that he would like to own a Subaru Impreza.

He added: “I don’t think I would be persuaded, unless it was a really nice car.”

The survey was conducted by MTV for a new car modification programme called Pimp My Ride UK, which is being launched on Sunday.

In it, drivers were asked whether the curves of a woman or a car would get their heart racing and which they would choose, if given the choice between a Ferrari or model Kelly Brook.

Tell us what car would tempt you to trade in your girlfriend – fill in the comment box below.