Sir,

I would like to reply through the medium of your columns, to Mr. Beswick’s letter concerning his Rover 3500’s experience. Mr. Beswick’s approach to DIY servicing typifies all that is appalling to me. Does he not realise that motor manufacturers spend years of testing and countless thousands of pounds, to determine optimum oil filter change periods? This is particularly important on a performance engine of the type in question. After all, the cost of a gallon or two of oil and a filter every 6,000 miles surely won’t break the bank.

The implications of this sort of approach to DIY servicing are positively terrifying on a wider scale. The sight of those with a little knowledge “overhauling” brakes, steering or wiring on a Sunday afternoon on the lawn with little in the way of equipment should be enough to send shivers down the spine of all MoT testers and safety fanatics.

Incidentally my pair of cars is not “ideal” but is a result of economics and a dislike of modern machines which depreciate so rapidly. A rather fast and much modified 1954 Standard 8, plus a 1950 YA MG which has been almost completely rebuilt makes up my humble stable. Whereas the Standard is fun to drive, the MG is pleasant, having excellent steering and brakes.

Thanks for an excellent magazine; with an estimated circulation of 140,000, your total number of readers must exceed a million— quite an achievement.

R. L. Harrison – Peterborough.