Diesel background

Sir,

I read with great interest the article in January Motor Sport, “The Diesel Background”.

About six months ago my husband presented me with a 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170D (featured in your article).

It noisily arrived in our drive one evening after dark, and whilst still showing only slight interest in the new arrival, my Hunter Estate was driven off to a prospective buyer!

The following morning my husband left for work after briefly instructing me on starting, stopping, and warnings about keeping up the revs., which I soon learned was the secret of a successful diesel driver.

It has now become a cherished member of the household„ and regularly averages about 250 miles a week, cutting my fuel cost in half; about 60+ m.p.g., and as you said, cruising about 44 m.p.h. Having adapted easily to this, I find driving much more relaxing and enjoyable, as now the children have stopped asking why we were going so slowly, and overall extra time per journey is minimal.

The interest shown in this unusual car has added to my motoring enjoyment, especially as it is in such excellent condition.

The engine, as far as we know, is original, and with 56,000 miles behind it shows no sign of wear. In fact the car seems set for another 23 trouble-free motoring years.

Clitheroe Marie Ireland (Mrs.)