Peter Wherrett, world’s first TV motoring presenter, dies at 72.
March 24, 2009 by Anthony Crawford
“Torque was where motoring television all started, way back in 1973 when the Australian Broadcasting Corporation approached Peter Wherrett to produce a television program on motoring”
Executive producers Alan Bateman and Bruce Buchanan, producers David Wood and Andrew Lloyd James (of SBS fame) got together and produced a pilot, which led to the world’s first television motoring series going to air in March 1974.
I doubt whether any Australian male, or their sons, old enough to remember, ever missed a single episode of Torque, such was the enormous popularity of the show.
It was so popular in fact, that the seventh and final series commenced in May 1977 and that, according to David Wood, was only because everyone involved were bored and wanted a change.
I know this, because David very kindly produced my first TV pilot with Peter Brock in 1989, and we spoke with Peter Wherrett about various ideas for the show, should a television network have decided to pick it up.
From aged 12, when Peter drove his first car, he had already decided that his future would revolve around cars, but it wasn’t going to be all glamour. He worked a number of jobs including, petrol station attendant, servicing automotive equipment, selling cars and even as a rep for an oil company.
But Peter Wherrett wasn’t afraid to tell it how it was, and he was annoyed by the complete lack of useful motoring information in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, and he told them so in 1957. The response, he was asked to write a weekly column for the paper, and he was on his way.
Over the next few years, he developed a keen interest in motor sport, more than likely fuelled by his writing about the subject. So much so, that he started racing cars in 1960 and continued to do so for several years, although he never really considered himself a racing driver.
I guess he saw himself more as someone who could impart better driving skills to the public, who he believed were sold short when it came to proper car control on public roads.
So in 1967 he formed the Peter Wherrett Advanced Driving School – the first of its kind in Australia, which he eventually sold to his manager Peter Finlay, who continues to run the school today.
But clearly, Peter was destined for bigger things and Torque came along at the perfect time, allowing him to showcase his talent in front of the camera.
What made Torque such compulsory viewing was Peter’s utterly candid approach to what he thought of a car. He wasn’t afraid to call a lemon a lemon. On the other hand, he was always quick to point out improvements by a manufacturer.
It was this kind of straight talking that made Peter Wherrett a household name in Australia, and gave the program the high level of credibility it thoroughly deserved.
Peter will be missed by many thousands of Australians who vividly remember tuning in to “that show on cars” each week, and by any of us who have tried in vain to emulate what he did with cars on television, including Jeremy Clarkson.
Peter is survived by his son Steven Wherrett, daughter Jane Whitburn and six grandchildren.
Print it: 
Is it correct that he was buried in a sigma wearing his best dress?
Sad news. Thanks for the memories Peter.
I’m guessing the likes of John Harvey, Colin Bond, Gricey, Moffat etc must all be feeling a bit mortal now.
Does this mean my $2 op shop copies of Torque & Motoring are now worth something?
Ebay here I come…………………
swampdawg: damn you beat me to it
Enjoyed his show, especially the one whe he compared the advantages and disadvantage of FWD and RWD. Sorry to hear of his death.
he was never afraid to have a go at holden and ford in a time when both brands where sacred,torque was way ahead of its time.
I was one of many to hang out for each new episode.
RIP.
Sorry scottT :)-
I meant that in the nicest possible way. If it wasnt for such reporters we would still have jurassic 2speed autos, three speed manuals, column shift manuals and OHV crap.
A tremendous reporter, car enthusiast and person. I agree JohnA – way, way, ahead of his time.
He will be sadly missed.
very sad news, he was a great motoring presenter and reporter. Does anyone remember when he did the carshow in the early nineties with morrisson. well i think he was anyhow, cant remember correctly, im sure somewhere here will correct me..he would have been a great asset to topgear AU i reckon…my opinion..
RIP in motoring heaven mate…
I am lucky enough to still have a mint condition hard cover book from his Marque series he did showcasing motoring history.
Apart from the Sigma (oh and the admission of the dresses :p) he was a highly regarded statesman in the motoring juornalism world.
Thoughts to his Family.
Peter Wherrett did not appear on the 1995 motoring series Behind the Wheel, which was hosted by James Morrison along with Kevin Bartlett, Dick Johnson, Monica Trapaga and the German mechanic.
It was the first time that motoring became entertainment and pulled over 2 million viewers during the first few eps
I looked forward to Torque every week as a kid,it was time I spent with my dad and one of the many things that turned me into a car nut ! {That and ripping up dads Modern Motors to get the lift outs to stick on the bedroom wall :) }
Never had another on screen motoring jerno like him since in Australia .
Sad we havent heard more over the years from him till now.
Thanks for the great memories Peter
Rest in Peace you will be sadly missed
I loved the show Torque and thought Peter did an admiral job but as for world’s first tv motoring presenter their was a motoring programme on the BBC that ran from 1964-1974 it was presented by Cliff Michelmore, next time a little bit more research is called for,unless you mean World’s first TV(transvestite)presenter.
RIP Peter.
So what was this TV show like to watch on yr black and white TV’s fellas?
Sadly missed, RIP.
Rob, never heard of the program you mention and frankly, have never heard a single soul mentioned it anywhere in the world.
Are you sure you weren’t watching The Invisible Man?
show a bit of respect the man has just died why bring his personal life into it,im sure some of the rocket scientists that contribute to this site may have a thing or two to hide .maybe this site should drop the car advice name and concentrate on lets abuse each other advice,not much about cars just lately its all about hurling abuse at each other for daring to have an alternate view .
totally agree John.