He wouldn't do it if he wasn't interested at all. However, you have to weigh into the equation just how car crazy he is. I know some guys who love driving their car so much that it wouldn't take much persuasion at all to drive that far.....while for other guys, it would be very much more about meeting you.
You know him better than us....what does your gut tell you?
Never regret anything that has happened in your life. It cannot be changed, forgotten or undone. So, take it as a lesson learned and move on.