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).
Initial impressions of the new Hispano-Suiza 'Type Boulogne' and comparing its performance to Rolls-Royce cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\1\ Scan087 | |
| Date | 1st February 1924 | |
| COPY. To CJ. From PN.{Mr Northey} PN{Mr Northey}14/DN1.2.24. Phil. Paddon has received the one and only new model of the Sporting Type Hispano-Suiza, which is called the "Type Boulogne". Minchin has been talking to me about it this afternoon. He and three other Rolls-Royce owners were given a short run in it. I understand that their impression is so good, they are so vastly pleased with its sweetness, its silence, its flexibility, its acceleration, its beautifully acting brakes, its Rolls-Royce steering at its best, that they are feeling nervous in case the Premier British car may not be able to reach this state of perfection. Minchin, as you know, is a great exponent of Rolls-Royce cars. Undoubtedly this model will represent the very latest experience in braking, apart from other features in the chassis, and I suggest that we should obtain one at the earliest possible moment, and first let Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} have it and then send it down to Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence to meet us with the other types of chassis. Minchin thinks the price is £1760 for the chassis. I am trying to go out on it this afternoon if I can, but fear this may not be possible. I will let you know if I succeed. (Sgd.) P.N. I have just been out on this car with Paddon. My impressions are:- (1) The body is as light as a feather. (2) The steering, as with other Hispanos, is very light, but very dangerous, because it is geared down too much for speed work. Incidentally, the previous owner of this car, a man named Lionel Stevens, who married a cousin of mind, was killed when driving this car, because he could not sufficiently correct the steering. (3) The acceleration on first gear is stupendous. Probably bringing the speed from zero to 50 m.p.h. in 60 yards, the engine does not appear unduly noisy, but I feel would knock itself to pieces and require attention very early. | ||