1 9 7 3 – 1 9 8 0 (Australia)
69 x 30 minute episodes
Torque was the first ever popular series about the motor car on Australian television – a no holds barred examination of the automotive industry by motor journalist and ex-racing driver Peter Wherrett.
Wherrett was a great talent and really knew his subject – the ins and outs of the car industry.
He used to say that having Torque on the ABC meant that he was never beholden to any advertiser and could say things as he saw them.
His on-camera car tests set new standards in honesty and candour on television.
He was known to criticise a car’s lack of safety, but he was also quick to praise great design or innovative features whenever he came across them.
Wherrett also presented a 10-part series called Marque, tracing the history of the motor car.