Welcome to Overdrive, a program about the wonderful world of motoring and transport.
I’m David Brown
More of our thoughts, ideas and ramblings are covered on our website, podcast or social media – just search for Cars transport culture
And once again I am joined by Paul Murrell from seniordriverauz.com
Subjects
Edsel
- What was the context of Brooklyn poet Marianne Moore suggesting car names
- The naming of the car
- Edsel was a good guy (Henry was not)
- Lots of features – could that not save it
Swallow Doretti
- History of Swallow cars
- Why the name
- I like the look of it
- Only lasted 10 months
- A Triumph TR2 looks pretty ordinary
Nissan Pathfinder
- I really like the car
- Sales are a disaster
- Large SUV less than $80,000 has changed a lot (Everest is no 1 – Toyotas no longer dominating)
News summaries
Ford Edsel
Ford’s Edsel, launched in 1958, is often cited as a significant failure in American automotive history. Intended to fill a gap in Ford’s lineup between a base Ford and a Mercury, the car was introduced during a post-war economic boom.
However, it arrived as the U.S. entered a recession, diminishing demand for large vehicles. The Edsel’s design, including its “horse collar” grille, was widely criticized. Though the vehicle featured some innovative technology, it ultimately failed to capture public interest, selling far below projections. Edsel Ford, for whom the car was named, had passed away in 1943, and some speculate the name itself contributed to the car’s downfall.
Swallow Doretti
The Swallow Doretti was a small sports car built by Tube Makers International in the 1950s. It had a distant relationship to Swallow Sidecars, the company that became Jaguar. Despite the Italian name for Dorithy, the Doretti was designed for the American market and built in Britain. With a sleek design and with mechanics based on the Triumph TR2, it offered a more balanced weight distribution and handled well for its time. Though only 276 cars were made, it outsold the Triumph in its first year. However, it had a clean style rather than flashy features. Sadly, it had a brief production run of just 10 months.
Nissan Pathfinder
A few years ago, Nissan launched a generational change for its Pathfinder large SUV as part of a major product revamp that included several vehicles like the X-Trail and the Z. Despite initial excitement, sales didn’t perform well. Recently, Nissan introduced a cheaper entry-level Pathfinder, priced around $12,000 less, making it just under $60,000. While this model is only available with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, some buyers still prefer diesel, limiting its appeal.
We particularly like its smooth ride and balanced handling, but it is struggling in a crowded market. Now, it’s ranked 20th, with sales of just 430 this year, far behind the Ford Everest, which leads with over 15,700 units sold.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – an artist’s opinion of the design
Our artist in residence, Dean Oliver, often dabbles in figure painting. He finds older people easier to depict due to more defined features, while younger people are smoother but harder to capture. Does the same apply to cars?
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s sharp lines and creases create dynamic shading, with its sporty model featuring standout design elements like angular motifs, and large 21-inch wheels.
Despite its size and sporty nature, the car remains practical, comfortable, and easy to drive in both city and racetrack settings.
Contacts Details
Web Site: Driven Media: drivenmedia.com.au
iTunes: Cars Transport Culture
Spotify: Cars Transport Culture
Or our social pages
Or YouTube site
Search for Cars transport culture
Credits
And this has been overdrive
Thanks to
- Paul Murrell
- Mazda Australia
- Mark Wesley
- Bruce Potter
for their help with this program.
You can get more of our work including longer versions of the program on our website, through our podcasts, or more visual information on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. In all cases search for cars transport culture.
Overdrive is syndicated across Australia on the Community Radio Network
This program was first broadcast on 7 September 2024
I’m David Brown
Thanks for listening
