1970 Rolls Royce Corniche Coupe

Hershey 04

Hugh McKnight, Bill Greer, and I headed east early Tuesday morning and arrived on schedule that evening.  The Weather was delightful and continued that way the entire weekend until Saturday AM which was cloudy and overcast.  At various lulls in our conversation during the 10 hour drive we lamented the absence of Bob Titlow, who always made these trips so enjoyable with his quick wit and excellent memory of Hersheys’ past. We were up early Wednesday and this was a first for me, being there on the first day of the event.  This provides one the opportunity to A. Purchase underpriced items with the hope of reselling them during the ensuing days or B. just plain get a good deal.  While Hugh was off to look for hard to find parts, Bill and I headed into the Car Corral, and instantly spotted a partially restored Stutz Dual Cowl Phaeton, the owner of which both of us had been communicating with prior to the event.  Needless to say, we lollygagged a bit here, getting to know the owner (seller), learning about the car etc.  After about an hour I realized I could be missing out on a good deal (the Stutz was ambitiously priced) and headed out through the field of cars for sale.  Sure enough there was a 32 Auburn Speedster with a sold sign on it.  I speculated to myself that it had been underpriced and had been bought by a dealer.  We later headed over to the CCCA tent and had a great time looking for hard to find parts in various places.  Generally speaking there seemed to be a larger number than usual of Full Classics and associated parts for sale.  Allen Strong brought an unusual early Packard in amazing Original Condition on which he had to fight off several suitors.

The one that got away

Thursday was the CCCA Board Meeting, which was well attended, and that evening we attended the Stutz Club Dinner.  Of course the Auburn Speedster spotted the day before was now back up for sale for a hefty price in a dealer area (theory A). My day was somewhat exciting in that I purchased (Stole) a 1970 Rolls Royce Corniche Coupe (MC) that had not been driven in about 2 years, so time was spent in getting it roadworthy, etc. This decision did cause a bit of hang wringing after numerous people told me horror stories of their rather expensive forays into Shadow era Rolls ownership, as well as the mystical properties of RR363.  Turns out though these coupes are pretty rare, less than 1200 were made over a 10 year period.

Bill Greer with the Roller

Friday we were up early again and Bill polished all the brightwork on “the Roller”-as it had already been nicknamed, in preparation for it returning to the Car Corral with a higher price on it, in hopes of realizing theory A.  This also gave us a great free parking space!   The car was quickly mobbed and it became obvious the higher price was still too low, so we raised it again and went on our merry way.    I was honored to participate in a filming for the Antiques Roadshow, as the rep of the Milestone Car Society.  National Director Chuck Conrad handled the CCCA rep duties. Watch for this episode in upcoming broadcasts of the Roadshow.  Hopefully this will pay dividends for both organizations membership and interest wise.  That evening Gerry Mann and I attended the Auction, which proved to be a bit of a dog and pony show, with no complimentary drinks even after you paid the ridiculous $50. bidders fee.  Not wanting to miss anything we opted to eat there at the Arena , something we both agreed was arguably the worst sandwich either of us had ever had.

Hibbard and Darrin Stutz

Saturday we were up early for the Car Show.  I was forbidden from parking the Roller in the Car Corral due to AACA rules that all cars there be left on site until 3 PM.  By now I had decided I liked being a Rolls Royce owner (theory B) and was determined, despite a sick feeling in my stomach, to drive this thing home.  Hugh suggested I leave 2 hours ahead of them so that when (if was not a question) it broke down I would have time to get it squared away, so they could just swing by and get me.  The show was quite nice and featured a stunning Stutz Hibbard and Darrin Paris Show car, a Phenomenal Lagonda Tourer, and a lovely mid 30’s Lancia Drop Head Coupe with an articulating hard shell top similar to a new Mercedez or Chevy SSR.  

Lagonda

Lancia Belia note Ostrich Skin interior below

I had paid to park in the spectator area and had to ford the incoming traffic trying to get out of there since the brilliant planners who laid out the field hadn’t figured on anyone ever leaving the field once they were parked.  This 25 minute battle proved to be a frustrating way to start a 10 hour trek in an unknown car. I knew I had no emergency brake and felt the brakes could fail at any time since I was woefully low on RR363.  When I bought the car it had no Power Steering fluid and although it seemed to be holding, having to steer back and forth for 25 minutes wasn’t what I had hoped for. By the time I hit the Interstate a feeling of dread I cannot adequately describe descended upon me.  I just love the Pennsylvania Turnpike with its narrow lanes and numerous twists and turns, made even more “exciting” by the construction underway which put those concrete barriers right on the white line for most of the trip.  It has been 20 years since I have driven a right hand drive car any distance and this took a while to feel comfortable with as well.

The car handled well and rides like nothing I have ever driven.   You just don’t feel bumps in this car, period.  After I made my way off the Turnpike without incident, I stopped just past Wheeling at a Walmart and bought some new wiper blades and other stuff since rain was eminent, had lunch, and gassed her up.  Anxious to stay ahead of Hugh and Bill, and feeling confident now that I was on a real interstate with berms and all, not to mention my 5 hours of driving experience, I kicked her up to about 75-80 to keep up with traffic flow.  The car ran well all day long, but started to get louder as I headed into Columbus.  I did make it home safely and the exhaust repair needed was minor.  I don’t think just anyone could have driven this car home. Not to pat myself on the back too hard, but more so because few people would be bold (or Foolhardy) enough to attempt to do so.  So ended another Hershey.