17 DECEMBER 1983, Page 30

A burnt-out car?

Sir: A rumour has even reached Europe that 'the magnificent 1934 Daimler Saloon' offered in your competition had to have its venerable carcase towed to the spot when it was photographed with the ever-young Dame Edna Everage. Can this be true? After your previous prize, a second-rate picture by a second-rate artist, one had hoped for a prize of unquestionable value to atone for the heavy brain work required — perhaps some cases of good wine, preferably not chosen by Mr Auberon Waugh who admits to an odd taste for an 'anal' flavour. (How does he recognise it?) Graham Greene

Antibes

[See p.5 for Editor's reply.]