Guild member profile – Peter Barker
Name and job title: Peter Barker, freelance writer, author and editor.
How did you get started in automotive journalism? I started writing for MiniWorld magazine in 1994, on the basis that I knew a fair bit about Minis, owned several of them and could write better than most of the magazine’s contributors!
What’s been your most memorable car review or feature piece? I had the pleasure of interviewing Raymond Baxter (Guild member and renowned BBC commentator – Ed) in 2001 along with photographer Paul Harmer. Due to Raymond’s health, we had only one hour in which to interview and photograph him. It was a challenge for a novice journalist to interview and photograph someone as experienced as Raymond, but we managed it and the resulting interview feature was one that I am proud of.
Which motoring story or investigation are you most proud of? In 2021 I wrote an article for CooperWorld magazine (the magazine of the Mini Cooper Register) in which I examined the Beeching cuts to British Railways and the simultaneous expansion of Britain’s motorway network under the supervision of then Minister of Transport Ernest Marples. The story required extensive research; reading the published papers of the British Railways Board (to which my grandfather was an advisor) and finding a copy of the Beeching Report, so that the article was as factually correct as possible. The resulting 1,500-word article was compact and (I hope) readable, although it contained a good deal of information.
How has motoring journalism changed since you started? When I started 30 years ago people were prepared to buy print magazines and to read articles up to 3,000 words in length without complaint. Now print magazines are fast disappearing and any piece over 500 words is considered long. It is a challenge for modern-day motoring journalists to provide quality output with such constrictions.
What was the first car or motorcycle you ever owned? A 1967 Mini Cooper, unsurprisingly!
Do you have a dream car or other vehicle you’d love to own or drive? I have a secret desire to drive a 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint (but don’t tell anyone).
What’s the best road trip you’ve ever been on? In 1970 I rode with my father as he drove our Peugeot 404 estate car the length of Uganda on dirt roads. It was the most thrilling ride for a nine-year old boy, and introduced me to car control on loose surfaces (second-hand of course).
Which motoring event do you always look forward to? The Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. I have competed in 16 editions of this wonderful international historic rally organised by the Automobile Club of Monaco.
What’s the biggest challenge facing automotive writers today? Changing audiences and readership habits.
Where do you see the future of automotive journalism heading? Shorter, quicker interventions using multi-media.
How do you think vehicle manufacturers could improve their media engagement? Be more realistic about their products: the hype around some new cars is ridiculous.
What’s the strangest or funniest thing that’s happened to you on a car launch? I don’t generally cover car launches, but I was witness to BMW’s launch of the rally version of the MINI Cooper S at MINI Plant Oxford in 2012. It was clear that the star driver, Chris Meeke, was very capable but that the car had developmental faults. It would be fair to say that the atmosphere was pretty tense…
If you could swap jobs with someone in the industry for a day, who would it be? Sam Buckingham, Press Officer for MINI UK.
What’s your go-to driving music or podcast? Radio 3.
