8 Comments
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Jim Sayers's avatar

I love this. It’s funny that I sometimes talk to people today who never even pay attention to the little fuel tank indicator arrow! How cool to tell about the creator’s background and story. Thank you.

(Noted: pick something seemingly small - like the fuel gauge arrow - and write a story around it.)

Mary C. McCarthy's avatar

So many fascinating facets to this story. Yes, Moylan has a big legacy.

Michael's avatar

Awesome article Phobe! Thank you!

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Thank you for the sweet note. An amazing family. Honored to write the piece.

Chris Siebrasse's avatar

I remember back in the day when Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers (the Magliozzi brothers on public radio), were asked what the logic was behind which side of the car the gas filler cap was placed. They did mention that some cars even had it behind the rear license plate, which was a really dumb idea.

As I recall, they guessed about the logic. (I'm guessing left side placement makes for less steps for the driver?) I know on all the VWAG cars, it's always on the right side. That comes in handy at Costco gas stations as most cars have 'em on the left!

Jason Walsmith's avatar

What a great story. Now I want to know why they don’t just put the fill location on one side or the other and standardize it. I think most Toyotas have the fill on the drivers side but I drive a Land Cruiser and the fill is on the passenger side. Always wondered why.

Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Engineering design issue — automakers have preferences based on national of origin.

Jason Walsmith's avatar

I wondered, that’s why I am so curious about why the Land Cruiser is different than other Toyotas. BUT, based on what you just said it could be because the Land Cruiser WAS the only US spec Toyota made entirely in Japan. I am a long time Land Cruiser aficionado, but my next vehicle will be American and Electric.