From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The rarity of cars with a guaranteed 100 M.P.H. top speed in full touring trim.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\4\ scan0051 | |
| Date | 22th March 1939 | |
| 1379 100 M.P.H. MOTORING TO THE CUSTOMER. I have always been fascinated by the accounts of standard cars that could be bought with a guarantee of a top speed of 100 M.P.H. in full touring trim. If such a car was so easy to purchase in the past, why are they so difficult to obtain to-day. Probably because people will no longer put up with acute discomfort for the sake of a few M.P.H. The standard 30/98 side valve Vauxhalls (magnificent sports cars that they were) with which I came in contact, seemed to have a true top speed in still air of about . We timed a number. We wonder whether your correspondent "Vintagent" has any knowledge of the number of "100 M.P.H. in touring trim" guarantees that have ever actually been given in writing. We suspect remarkably few. It would be exceptionally interesting if any of your readers who have ever possessed such a written guarantee could describe the vehicle to which this document referred and the check tests, if any, that were conducted to prove its maximum speed. One feels that the customer to whom the streamlined 4 1/4-litre saloon Bentley belongs must be very satisfied with its unguaranteed speed of 107 miles in the hour. 22.3.39. | ||