From the editor’s desk
There’s a healthy dose of heritage in the 807th issue of CAR. From the original Toyota FJ40 that features in the road test of the updated Land Cruiser 76 on page 70, to the gathering of legendary Audi Quattro models reunited for the feature on page 50, I hope you will share our enthusiasm for showcasing wonderfully preserved examples of cars this publication has tested over the years. A good place to start is always the annual George Old Car Show, the 2024 edition of which we cover on page 40.
Models from the Lotus stable have always resonated with the CAR team. Honed for the racetrack, it would be fascinating to know whether the plaque from Sir Colin Chapman’s of ce that read: “adding power makes you faster on the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere” has been shipped to Wuhan, China, where this brand’s current owners produce the 2.6-tonne Eletre all-electric SUV driven locally for the feature on page 34.
A model looking to ride on the coattails of another legendary old-timer – the original Land Rover Defender – Ineos’ Grenadier (tested on page 64) makes a compelling case for itself, not least after making light work of the beautiful, yet unforgiving off-road course at Klipbokkop, not far outside Worcester.
One of the best advanced driving courses I ever did included a nal evaluation involving a 45-minute drive around an unfamiliar neighbourhood while offering a running commentary of what I was observing at any given time. From refuse bags on the side of the road that may attract wandering dogs, to the make and colour of the car following me, and what I anticipated might occur at the next intersection, this level of defensive driver training is what I believe is required for all drivers if we are to lower our staggering annual road-accident statistics. For good measure, I attended another driving course, this one hosted at night, for a feature on page 30.
Thank you for your letters, commentary and constructive criticism of what we are trying to achieve in each issue. I’m pleased to announce that we once again have a fantastic prize on offer for each month’s winning letter (page 14).