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).
Report from the USA discussing the import of a Cadillac and Terraplane, customs valuation, and comparison with a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img115 | |
| Date | 26th February 1934 | |
| USA COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} IN U.S.A. DATED 16.2.34. To Hg. from Ha/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to WGR. c. to L. c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to De. c. to Hdy.{William Hardy} c. to EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Ha/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/S/KW. 26.2.34. Have received your wire of Feb. 15th re Cadillac and Terraplane. Wired in reply that we ought to bring Cadillac in on a Triptique even though we pay duty later. At 30% discount I don't see we shall avoid much duty by bringing it in second-hand, but I don't know whether if it's brought in as a private 1934 car, we shall be able to quote its value as list price less 30%. As it is the British Customs we have got to satisfy and I am 4,000 miles away, could you find out - (a) If a car was bought for 30% off list and receipt obtained, can this value be inserted on 60 day permit and will it be accepted for duty if the car finally remains in the country. (b) If the car has run 1,000 miles will it be considered second-hand, and if so can the second-hand value be assessed on the price actually paid; i.e., list less 30%. I believe that we may get away with (1) but (2) is altogether too involved to be accepted and therefore have cabled that I recommend a Triptique subject to your confirming Customs will accept 30% off list as value. I quite anticipate that the virtues of the car will be lost sight of and it will be criticised as being too large and unwieldy. Nevertheless, it is a standard we ought to keep on hand until the new 12 cyl. R.R. has been launched. One other point, four hundred per year only are built which will about parallel the Bentley, and the cost of the two cars is approximately the same. This gives food for thought. Re the second small car to be a model for the EC/25. The 16 gives us 6 cyl. induction manifold and exhaust practice etc. I am arranging for alternative induction pipes and carbs. etc. for this car. | ||