No substitute for soft tops

Sir,

“Air conditioning an adequate substitute for open-air motoring” says Colin Chapman in your January issue! Surely not? One might as well say that a centrally-heated office is as good as a country walk!

The people who choose open-cars are surely amongst the least likely to choose an air-conditioned alternative—the differences are too fundamental: When did you last see air-conditioning described as exhilarating?

Does air-conditioning allow you a superb all-round view, or a starlit drive on an autumn evening, cocooned in a blast of hot air?

Air-conditioning, like so many modem improvements, simply removes all sensation-whether of heat or cold, of high speed a low, or summer or winter. Open-air motoring on the other hand enhances sensation-be it of season, of speed, or of view. Accept no substitute!

Hounslow I. R. FRANCIS