Makes › ERA › R2B "Romulus" · Historically significant · 1934–1939
ERA
R2B "Romulus"
Prince Bira's B-type, named 1936; White Mouse Garage
Still being researched: identification guide, full specifications. Everything shown is checked against the cited sources. Know more? Send us a source.
Contents
01Overview
At a glance
- Built
- 1 Built
- Years
- 1934–1939
- Engine
- Straight six · 1,488 cc / 1.5 LFactory: 1,488 cc
- Power
- 124 kW / 168 PSFactory: 166 hp · converted
- Top speed
- Not yet verified
- Body
- Not yet verified
- Designer
- Not yet verified
- In this archive
- Not yet verified
- Surviving
- Not yet verified
Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.
Why it matters
R2B 'Romulus' was the first of the three B-type ERAs of Prince Chula and Prince B. Bira's White Mouse team, and is described as one of the most successful privately raced ERAs. It is regarded as arguably the most original of all ERAs because it was only rarely raced in historic events and has been preserved rather than restored.
How rare is it?
Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.
Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.
02Production & history
Production
Every figure says what it counts.
| What is counted | Figure | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total model productionindividual car: chassis R2B, named Romulus in 1936 (identity confirmed) | 11 | Factory production | Independently researched |
Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.
History
R2B was sold new in 1935 to the princes' White Mouse Racing team. When a second B-type was added in 1936, R2B was nicknamed Romulus and the new car Remus after the founders of Rome. Romulus won well over a dozen races, including one at Monaco, and was given to Bira as a birthday present.
The other two team ERAs were sold after their racing careers, but R2B stayed in the family for many years, in the ownership of Prince Chula's daughter. A later owner chose to preserve it, and it won Best in Class at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Variants
How each version differs from the standard R2B "Romulus".
No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
03Specifications
Technical specifications
Engine
| Engine family | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Engine code | Not yet verified |
| Layout | Straight six2 Independently researched |
| Displacement | 1,488 cc / 1.5 LFactory: 1,488 cc2 Independently researched |
| Bore | 57.5 mmFactory: 57.5 mm2 Independently researched |
| Stroke | 90.8 mmFactory: 90.8 mm2 Independently researched |
| Compression ratio | Not yet verified |
| Fuel system | Not yet verified |
| Power | 124 kW / 168 PSFactory: 166 hp · converted2 Independently researchedSource states bhp. |
| Power at | 6,500 rpm2 Independently researched |
| Torque | Not yet verified |
Transmission & drivetrain
| Gearbox | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Gears | Not yet verified |
| Driven wheels | Not yet verified |
Chassis, body & dimensions
| Chassis | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Not yet verified |
| Rear suspension | Not yet verified |
| Brakes | Not yet verified |
| Steering | Not yet verified |
| Body construction | Not yet verified |
| Wheelbase | 2,438 mmFactory: 2,438 mm2 Independently researched |
| Length | Not yet verified |
| Width | Not yet verified |
| Height | Not yet verified |
| Front track | 1,333 mmFactory: 1,333 mm2 Independently researched |
| Rear track | 1,219 mmFactory: 1,219 mm2 Independently researched |
| Kerb weight | Not yet verified |
| Dry weight | 914 kgFactory: 914 kg2 Independently researched |
Performance
| Maximum speed | Not yet verified |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | Not yet verified |
| Fuel tank | Not yet verified |
“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.
04Colours & options
Factory colours & interiors
Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Factory options & codes
Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
05Individual cars
Chassis register
Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Competition history
Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Auction & sale history
Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
See one in person
Museums where an example of this car can be seen.
No example is documented on public display yet. Have a source? Contribute it.
06Reference
Identification guide
How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.
Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.
Sources
Each number links to the exact facts it supports.
-
1
ERA Club – car information / chassis histories Level B
- 1 individual car: chassis R2B, named Romulus in 1936 (identity confirmed)
-
2
ERA R2B "Romulus" Level B Supercars.net
- Engine: Straight 6
- Capacity: 1,488 cc
- Bore X Stroke: 57.5 mm / 90.8 mm
- Power: 166 bhp / 124 KW @ 6,500 rpm
- 166 bhp @ 6,500 rpm
- Wheelbase: 2,438 mm (96 in)
- Front: 1,333 mm (52.5 in)
- Rear: 1,219 mm (48 in)
- Weight: 914 kilo / 2,015 lbs
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