Wheels Inbox: Letters to the editor

Step back in time

I really loved Richard Ferlazzo’s walk down memory lane in his column regarding insights into Holden’s early design history.

I was once on a Holden launch with Richard, and as with most well-ran Holden launches, there was always a Holden person riding along to answer key questions about the product, or anything at all really. They were so accommodating with their knowledge and experience; really great people.

The subject got around to classic-car design, Holden being the focal point, and I just had to get it off my chest and proclaim that my favourite dash design appeared in the HJ – HZ series; the GTS with yellow needles in particular.

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I had to go one step further and reach the pinnacle of my admiration, which was regarding the small ultra-cool clock in front of the driver.“I love that clock,” I exclaimed to Richard, and it’s one of my favourite things to look at on my WB utility.

He didn’t say much, but I reckon I could hear him smiling from the back seat. Over the years I’ve often thought that he might have considered me an ‘anchor’ (for want of a better word), but the impression I got meeting him a few more times was he’s just too much of a nice guy, a total professional. Thanks again.

Andrew Clark, Gawler,

Kind words for our two-time COTY guest judge. You’ll be pleased to know he will certainly see this! - Ed

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Fact Czech

Congratulations on the production of a consistently high-quality magazine. My favourites are the historical articles, and I read the history of Skoda (Bohemian Rhapsody, Wheels, Feb ’22) with great interest.

I’d like to add to the article that Skoda made its ill-fated Australian debut in the early 1950s, with a range of vehicles – sedan, convertible, panel van and station wagon. 1951 was its best year, with Australia-wide total sales of 976 sales. (I’m attaching a copy of a 1951 advertisement, right.)

After 1951, sales dropped dramatically. In 1956, the total was 104. I don’t know when Skoda finally withdrew from Australia, but I do recall that the father of a friend of mine insisted that she bought a Skoda when she graduated in 1960 because the advertisements at the time boasted that no-one had ever been killed in a crashed Skoda!

Don Loffler, St Clair, SA

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Racing yellow

I read your story on the Nissan 200SX (Modern Classic, March ’22) with more than my usual interest, as I owned a Type S S15 200SX from 2002-’06.

I especially noticed the listed colours in the photo caption at the top of page 32, as it did not mention the racing yellow colour which my car was painted.

Aside from that omission, the rest of the article was a marvellous trip down memory lane about a car that remains perhaps the most rewarding to drive that I’ve ever owned.

Gary Russell, Merewether, NSW

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Golf lesson

Ron Glanville’s daydreaming of his Mark 1 Golf (Inbox, April ’22 )triggered memories of my own testing experience, twice attempting to gain my Ps at the dreaded Rosebery licensing office, mid-’70s. My first test was in a Honda Z which my fat inspector barely fit in, but carried on then failed me when I should have given way to a ‘friendly’ truckie.

Several months later and with admittedly more experienced in city traffic, I turned up for the retest in Dad’s new Golf.

The inspector was so intrigued with the concept of a water-cooled VW that after testing, he asked for me to pop the bonnet to look for himself. No way he could fail me after that!

Rob Vines, Downer, ACT

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Volkswagen Golf Mk VII

Where is iX?

I have been a Wheels subscriber for many years.

Back in October 2021 we attended a special function at Coastline BMW for the release of the new BMW iX50 electric vehicle. We had a test drive via the dealer and paid $10,000 to place a firm order.

Each month since then I have been expecting to see a full test in Wheels giving more detailed information about this amazing vehicle.

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I was excited to receive my March issue only to open it and once again feel a huge disappointment.

So... when are you going to feature the BMW iX50 vehicle?

Howard Rose, Little Mtn, Qld

The good news, Howard, is you can read how the iX40 fared at COTY in this issue. BMW advises us that an iX50 for evaluation is still some months away. - Ed

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Tesla unplugged

I’m not often motivated to write to you, but I’m baffled by your EV comparison in the April 2022 issue.

How does a comparison of EVs at this price point make any sense without the Tesla Model 3? The article implies that all the others are aimed at the Tesla, but there’s no explanation given for its absence.

I hope you’ll include the Model 3 when you next test mid-sized sedans at its price point; and that includes against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, not just other EVs. Given its best-seller status in that class, you’d be doing readers a disservice if you didn’t.

Otherwise, keep up the good work.

Marco Spaccavento, Conder, ACT

We compared the Tesla Model 3 to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 in the December ’21 issue, Marco. The Tesla took a narrow victory. - Ed

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The question

Is the Ford F-150 on your radar when it arrives?

Ford, if you’re listening, bring the F-150 Lightning too. I’ll throw all of my money at you.

Darshan Singh Dhillon

In the USA the Ford pick-up is for the working class.

In Australia it’s only for the rich, unfortunately.

John David Stacey

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