Pioneering motoring journalist Peter Wherrett has died of cancer. He was 72.
Wherrett is best known for his work with ABC TV where he hosted the programs Torque and Marque during the 1960s and 1970s. He also worked for the Sydney Morning Herald and Wheels magazine.
In 1967 he established the Peter Wherrett Advanced Driving School which he ran until 1980 when he sold his interests to Peter Finlay.
Wherrett was not without controversy, with a drink driving offence in the mid 1980s and confessions of being a cross-dresser.
He is responsible for my earliest memories of motoring journalism with Torque, which has no doubt provided inspiration for many who have followed his path.
Peter Wherrett is survived by his two children, Steven Wherrett and daughter Jane Whitburn, along with six grandchildren.
[ Source: ABC ]
UPDATED 25 March: Click below for a brief two minute clip of Torque that shows Wherrett was not afraid to say what he thought. (Thanks to Wes for the tip.)
5 replies on “Peter Wherrett 1936-2009”
Healthy, Wealthy & Wise.
Why no love for the P76 Pete?
I’m pretty sure in the early 80’s Mitsubishi launched a Peter Wherrett Sigma. I think it had a few sporty options.
Yes, and I understand that came about because he canned the regular Stigma quite badly and Mistubishi then invited him to make a “better” model.
It’s kind of cool the way stuff like this could be done in the past. No way PR and marketing types would allows stuff like that to happen in this day and age.
mate what can you say about a bloke that liked cross dressing, he was a bit of a girl
Dear Trevor Dunen
Peta would have been delighted to hear you make that comment…….he was definately “a bit of a girl” but that didn’t negate his expertise at being a motor car critique with much credibility.