BRITISH CARS IN U.S

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1920, Page 1

BRITISH CARS IN U.S

UNDOUBTED FUTURE MARKET.

John Rrioleau writes to the “Daily Mail”:—Are British cars going to invade the United States in years to come ? There is an undouted opening for really sound British cars there. Cost is of little consequence. Provided that the car is of established repute, well made, fast ,and above all smart and attractive in appearance, a ready market awaits an enterprising maker. When I left New York last November I travelled with the British head of a New York firm of engineers. He told me that lie was looking for a big, power fill, very smart English car to sell in New York. He wanted 50 chassis or complete cars, and he entertained no sort of doubt about his profits on the transaction.

I pointed out that ears of the RollsRoyce type were costing well over £2,000 at home ,and I questioned whe-

ther even the multi-millionaire of America would care to pay, say £2,300 pins import duty, freight and profit. “That dosen’t worry me in the least,” ho replied. “There is a vogue just now for European cars, and provided they are powerful and smart and expensive and look all three, I can sell them like hot cakes. What shall I buy?

I suggested one or two names, highly recommended another couple, warned him against others. One make I mentoned was listed at a terrific price in London, lint it is a beautiful car in every respect. My friend leapt at it. “That’s the sort for me! A huge engino and an enormous price. Where can I get some?” NONE TILL 1922.

I told him, Alas! When I saw him again a month later, on his way to Southampton for New York, he had bought no cars. “They couldn’t sell me one,” he said. “They wouldn’t even discuss selling me one til! 1922. And to think what I could have sold 50 of them at!”

This man is a cool, level-headed man of hard business. He lias his finger oil

the pulse of the American motor world, and he is quite incapable of “hot air.” Had he been able to buy any chassis in London he would undoubtedly have sold them in New York at a handsome profit. He did not want to hnv cars which

particularly appealed to himself. He wanted to buy cars which lie knew he could re-sell immediately. And those are high priced, luxury cars, with a fine turn of speed.