Bring Back the Crank Handle

Sir,

Well spoken, John A. Everrett (page 116, February). This must express the sentiments of us all and is certainly your best letter for many a long day.

We pre-war motorists can well recall the old Austin Seven, for about £125, had its starting handle, oil-pressure gauge, ammeter and sunshine roof, and all standard – no optional extras. Today you get a speedo. (no trip recorder) and a petrol gauge which you. Sir, for some queer reason will refer to as a “fuel contents gauge.” Even the new Hillman Imp has the starting handle as an extra, plus extra cost of course.

Mr. Everrett does not mention how small the batteries are – no big ones to compensate you for the lack of starting handle – evidently a manufacturers’ and battery makers’ conspiracy.

Enrol me as a member of the Everrett Handle Brigade!

R. J. WILLIAMS

Rogerstone.