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Rolls
Royce Restoration Shop
October 23rd,
2005
On
Sunday, October 23rd,
three antique cars met up on Santa Ana Canyon Road in Anaheim to
continue our drive to Hemet. Jeff Hood and daughter Katie were in
their ’23 Fordor sedan, Roger Berchtold drove his ’29 “A” coupe and
Will and Susan Campbell, with Garrett Green as passenger, took the
lead in our ’23 Touring. It was around 7 o’clock, but with the threat
of fog, it was necessary to have this cushion.
We arrived in Hemet before 9 o’clock to meet and greet the other
members and guest. Phyllis Horner and passenger Jaantje in Fab’s ’63
Porsche arrived at the park in Hemet, along with all the others. There
were two “steam” vehicles – a 1901 Locomobile owned by Dick Moore and
a reproduction “Likamobile” owned by Bob Noble that willingly gave
rides in the parking lot to all who wanted, while we waited for the
tour to begin.
Steve Rini, Walt Endres, and the others brought the total to
nineteen, which toured the Rolls Royce Collection. Our host, Fred
Buess, the grandson of the originator of the collection, was very
knowledgeable and willingly told the stories of several autos,
including one owed by Tyrone Powers. As all “Rolls” were built for
very important people, each one had its own very interesting story.
Can you imagine a Rolls Royce Fire Engine? Ask those who toured
about the ladders strapped to the bar over the front seat! Many
questions were asked and answered about competition with the Bentley,
and finally their bankruptcy. Engine designs through the years and
where an “old Rolls goes to die” were also discussed.
Fred told us the story about a Rolls that had broken a leaf spring.
The owner called the factory for a replacement, and when he came out
the next morning, the car was fixed. Rolls claimed they didn’t know
anything about the repair, as their cars don’t brake down.
As usual food was the next item on the agenda, so we all headed to
Mr. T’s in San Jacinto. Everyone enjoyed their lunch and headed home
in good spirits. I venture to say all had a good time.
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