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).
Copy of a letter from Mr. H.W.R. Pantlin regarding his experience with a two-litre 'Ballot' car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\1\ scan0131 | |
| Date | 13th January 1932 | |
| Copy of letter received from Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} W. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Pantlin. "Bonsecours", Loom Lane, RADLETT, Herts. 13th January, 1932. Messrs. Rolls-Royce Co. Ltd., D E R B Y. Dear Sirs, It was recently reported in 'The Times' that you were considering the manufacture of a two litre Rolls, and it occurred to me that it might be of some interest to you if I gave in brief the history of a two litre 'Ballot' which I own, a 1928 make, and has now done over 60,000 miles. As you probably know, the H.P. is slightly over 12, therefore the tax is £13. per annum. It has a guaranteed speed of 70 miles per hour, but on several occasions I have done well over 80, and she is still capable of doing this. I found on the main road long distance journeys both to Scotland and the West of England, although the car is fitted with a saloon body, when fully loaded with passengers and luggage she can keep up an average of 35 miles per hour. She is exceptionally good on corners and has an extremely well-made chassis, being very well balanced. In her third speed she is capable of 45 miles per hour, but naturally with only a four cylinder engine, and a low H.P., and heavy body, she is slow in acceleration, and to strangers on the road who do not know these Ballot Cars, it is a revelation when they find they are being passed at a high speed after they think they have left you miles behind The car is fitted with Dunlop Tyres, of nearly 6" section, and I have averaged 18,000 miles per tyre. The steering to-day is as perfect as when the car was first made, and the engine has never been overhauled, and in all my years' experience of driving, which dates back to the second day that licences were issued in London, I have never handled such a delightful car. My only regret is that this car is a French make. I am writing this letter with the idea that you might be interested, that is, if you are considering making a two-litre vehicle, to examine my Ballot, if so I should be pleased to shew it to you in London by appointment. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) H.W.R. Pantlin. | ||