18 FEBRUARY 2006, Page 79

Q. A.E.’s husband’s desire to spotlight his Maserati ownership may

backfire. I recall attending a Sunday League game at Lord’s one afternoon in about l980. A Tannoy announcement asked, ‘Would the owner of the silver Jensen registration XYZ please... ’ whereupon about 50 people ostentatiously stood up and made as if to go in response. Far from appearing as the fascinating owner of an upmarket and prestigious set of wheels, your correspondent’s husband may simply appear to be one of a herd of unoriginal jokesters. As an aside, I wonder why these cars are always silver?

E.C., by email A. Thank you for reopening this enjoyable debate.