Vale: Peter Wherrett, on the cover of his book, Driving Skills and Tactics (Lothian, 1993).

FLAMBOYANT automotive journalist Peter Wherrett has died of cancer, aged 72.

Best known as the presenter and co-writer of the ABC’s popular motoring program of the 1960s and 1970s, Torque, and as the co-producer and presenter of Marque, a history of the motor car, Mr Wherrett was among Australia’s most influential motoring personalities.

Among his first professional automotive exploits was the Peter Wherrett Advanced Driving school, which led him to create a company called Motoring Information Services before being offered a job as technical editor of Racing Car News by its publisher Max Stahl.

Mr Wherrett went on to become a motoring and motor racing journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald and Wheels magazine, before beginning a long career in television and radio, and later falling from grace as a motoring expert and driving safety advocate following two high-profile driving incidents.

Peter Wherrett is survived by his son Steven Wherrett, daughter Jane Whitburn and six grandchildren.

By Marton Pettendy