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 success of the Barker Sports Saloon propaganda car in Biarritz, detailing client interest and performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan051 | |
| Date | 15th September 1930 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} TO HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM SA-EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Sa/EVI/15.9.30. 2 COPY TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RECEIVED 19 SEP 1930 RE BIARRITZ PROPAGANDA The Barker Sports Saloon (Short Chassis) known as the Continental Propaganda Car has been the centre of attraction here at Biarritz and San Sebastian. It has produced a large number of enquiries and trial runs which would not have been possible with the car already here as it is well known to the clientel. Fortunately the car arrived at the height of the season. Biarritz is at its best says Sa. The Duke of Arion has ordered a similar car and the following are very possible abodes in the near future especially if the rate of exchange in Spain improves. Mr. Jarje Atucha. Comtesse Cuevas de Veras. Mr. Palacios Mr. Brocow. Mr. March Junr. Mr. Proberesjky. Duke de Medionaceli. Marquis de Portago This latter client we have gained over from buying a 16 cyl. Cadillac. The Latin taste appreciates the lines of the car, its lowness and yet roomy interior and its suitability for high speed touring, which is the only touring done in Spain. The general comment is, " At last we have seen a modern looking Rolls-Royce Car". This car has the advantage of initiating enquiries which the normal bodied car would not do, even though it may be that it will be the normal bodied car that is ultimately purchased. To sell here even the maximum bodied car must look low and yet be roomy - 25EX, the second left hand P2. would be a suitable car to shew here in conjunction with this car. We are sending Sa drawings of it. As there were very ordinary cars by R-R entered for the Concours d' Elegance held annually at Biarritz and they could not have gained a prize we decided to enter 26EX. We won the Grand Prix d'Honneur with the maximum possible marks. Now, wherever one goes one hears such remarks as this" The e is the car that I told you about". There were many cars with similarly low and attractive bodies including the Cord, ( of which there were many) Cadillac, Hispano, Issotto, Packard, Buggatti, Lincoln, Stutz Dusenberg, and Delage. The colour scheme has been greatly admired. It would suit the Riviera. The body has stood up very well so far.- approx. 3000 miles. The last part of the trip from Madrid was in a deluge of rain but the sunshine roof did not leak. We believe that the sunshine roof is essential on all closed cars for Biarritz and the Riviera. Here it has been greatly appreciated. Sa. comments on the finish of the bonnet at the dash and at the base as it cuts up the lines of the body. We agree and will improve this feature The performance of the car has astounded many including Sa. who says that it is the most wonderful R-R car he has ever driven. Theoretically it should be so as " R " has repeatedly said. On the return from Madrid we did 50 kilos in 30 mins. and average speed of 62.5 M/P/H/ and this was without hurrying, and in perfect comfort. It was easy to reach 90 M.P.H. on the speedometer. The time from Madrid to San Sebastian was 5.hrs. 52, mins. a distance of 418 Kilos, and 50% was after dark. Sa was able to change down to third at 75 M.P.H. | ||