Newsreaders: ain’t they clever?

Just caught the tail-end of the ITN news while flicking. The final item was about how a sports-car once owned by Mussolini, had sold at auction. They show the car and then go back to the newsreader, who says, with a more than a faint hint of smugness:

“Nice open topped sports-car there – but are we going to be having the right weather for driving such a thing? Here’s … to tell us.” (Camera switches to the weatherman, and I’m frozen with shocked mirth).

So no other issues with driving the car, then? Nothing slightly weird tinkering at the back of your mind as you cruise along? Just hoping you don’t get wet, huh?

According to the BBC news site, the Alfa-Romeo was sold at a Cheltenham auction, and expected to sell for up to £1m, while Damian Jones, motor car specialist at auctioneers H&H, said:

“It’s a completely unique car – one of a kind.

Mussolini was effectively responsible for saving Alfa Romeo from going to the wall with state intervention.

He was a great motorsport and car fan. The car’s racing history alone makes it special.”

Well, there we are, a bargain no doubt.