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).
Vehicle performance review followed by a discussion concerning a potential sale to Romanian royalty.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0045 | |
| Date | 17th June 1930 guessed | |
| - 2 - Brakes. Vacuum assisted. Operation not too bad but almost too powerful. Very easy to lock wheels. All 4 brakes squeaked squeaked badly. Steering. Usual American, rather low geared. Definitely self-centring. Rigid up to 45 m.p.h. Lubrication. Grease gum everywhere. I drove this car for about 15 minutes. The engine is certainly very sweet giving the impression of what one imagines a motor turbine might feel like - a feeling of complete detachment. The acceleration was not remarkable and I should imagine the P.II could walk away from the car I drove. The gears are quiet both on acceleration and deceleration. The springing is not too good (I tried it back and front). The rear springs seem to have rather a quick period. The turning radius seemed to be big on both locks. Taking it all round the car may be described as a "nice" car but I cannot imagine why anybody should purchase one except it appears to be a "lot for the money"! The body on this particular car was a Cabriolet by Fleetwood and was quite a reasonable job in the American way! The cost of the complete car in New York is $ 7500. This car had been driven for 2873 miles. ----------- I attach a telegram which I sent to Paris from Belgrade. Could you kindly find out if any action was taken as I was not sure if Prince Paul was in Paris or not. I see from the local papers that Carol is to be made King of Roumania. As the Court only have old R.R.'s including one of his, do you think it would be a good idea to suggest to Bibesco that he (Carol) should order a new R.R. at once? Princess Helen would certainly support such an idea. Bibesco does not know that I gave a run to the whole Royal Family and I think he should be told as he did not think it could be arranged when I mentioned it to him. Fn. | ||