SIR,

Sir,

I cannot help but enter the lists against ” Two-Point-Six ” when he states that the 2.6 M.G. and 2i-litre S.S. can exceed 90 miles an hour and are “very, very comfortable.” I have owned 37 cars in The last 14 years, including these two, and I :give them full credit for offering good value for money in a genuine 80 mile-anhour motor car. Even at this speed their accuracy of control leaves much to be desired. Why is it that supporters of the British car, like “Two-Point-Six,” will spoil their own case by such exaggeration? he and Mr. hursby-Pelham should become pen-pals. Mr. Fitzpatrick has gone straight to the point of the ” British v. Continental ” controversy in his excellent article oh the 1,100 Fiat. lie points out that these strictly utility family cars should he compared with our Austins, Iiillmans and Standards, and not our much more expensive sports cars of larger capacity. As a ease in point, the likelihood of the Second Front and the need to leave my wife with a car for which spares are readily available, made me sell my three Fiats and buy a very well-known British Twelve n of one of the makes mentioned. This car belonged to an aunt and had done 1,400 miles in the hands of an experienced chauffenr. Its finish and accessories are incomparably better than the Continentals and the running between :30 and 45 miles per hour reasonably comfortable and silent on the straight. First gear, hOwever, is frighteningly noisy, the clutch indescribably rough, the gear-change uncertain, the brakes poor and the steering more successful at transmitting roadshock than influencing direction, while the engine rocks in its mounting like a canoe in a rough sea. I am not prejudiced and

wanted to like the car. As it is, I loathe the sight of it. Until our big manufacturers can incorporate that indefinable quality ” handling ” in their cars, will someone please sell me a Laneia “Aprilia” Or Fiat, price quite immaterial ? I am, Yours, etc.,

” CAVALRY OFFICER.”

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