Leyland advertisements

Sir,

During the past 15 months British Leyland’s PR department has put out some odd advertisements. To name but three.

Motor Sport, February, 1972. Can anyone tell me why the driver of the Triumph Dolomite needs to wear a crash helmet? Are Triumphs really that dangerous? The text says “Triumph put in what the others leave out.”—the helmet of course.

Motor Sport, October, 1972. This time it is the turn of the Range Rover. The text reads: “The Devil’s Switchback—a nightmare of slippery mud, sticky clay and 75° slopes.” A quick look at the pertinent photograph shows the vehicle in pristine Earls Court condition; paintwork gleaming, tyres and wheels unmarked. A nightmare of car washing, more like.

Autoocar, 12 April, 1973. Triumph again. Leyland’s words: “Time after time the Triumph 2000 proves that six cylinders are better than four.” If that is so why do British Leyland still build the Rover 2000?

Does anyone have the answers?

“Curious”.

[Name and address supplied.—Ed.]