I know what you mean, I do look at the car and smile because I know I have done all of that, and at shows when the car gets attention it makes me proud lol. I just want something abit faster, but i'm insured on my bf's Lupo GTi now so might just drive that about when I feel the urge for more speed lol.
I sold my last car for exactly the opposite reason. I had a Grande Punto 1.9 M-Jet and it was a great car but I knew I would lose my licence if I kept driving it hard so I took the crazy step to sell it and get a much slower car hence the Sei (no offence to Sei owners, I'm one as well LOL!).
Speed is great but in reality on todays roads its also pointless. I personally feel as long as you get your kicks and dont bend the rules to much thats what matters, having a pretty slow car calms me down.