Whether it conjures up images of romance and freedom on the Will Rogers Highway, the Jules Rimet trophy gleaming in the Wembley sun, the lyrics of Bobby Troup’s much covered ‘Get Your Kicks‘ or the opening speech marks typed on the iconic Imperial … the choice is yours.
’66’ has always held a fascination.
Of the options given? The Imperial 66 means the most.
Simon explains: “It was the ’66’ that was the first typewriter I used in my first job – an apprentice journalist with Northcliffe Newspapers. I can still hear the paper scrolling, the clatter of the keys and the ping of the bell when the carriage reached the end point.”
He adds: “It was on the 66 that I wrote my first published works, when I typed up stories of court cases and rugby matches, theatre shows and concerts … interviews with stars of stage and screen, not least of all the late Lord Olivier. I’m told I was the last person to interview him – and the results of that encounter came to life on the 66.”
Simon concludes: “The opening speech marks typed on a 66 spell out the same numbers … and denote the start of communication, the opening words. To this day, that is what makes me tick. Then it was on paper that got spiked in the newsroom. Now? Whether on a post, blog feature, reel or message shared via X or TikTok, the same anticipation applies. 66. We’re off …“