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).
Mr. Fairey's complaints about his new Bentley, including issues with suspension, clutch, and engine noise.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\3\ scan0005 | |
| Date | 19th July 1934 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re Mr.Fairey's Bentley, Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}20/E19.7.34 copy to W.R.S B.157-AE. Mr.Fairey took delivery of his car on the 10th July. I attach copy of letter received by Lp.{Mr Lappin} from him. Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} has been out on the car and reports that the springing, shock absorber control etc. are standard but that he is of the opinion that Fairey's remarks are due to the amount of movement on the lamps and wings, i.e. the front of the car. Probably the car on which Fairey had his trial run had the original arrangement which you remember we all thought was better in that respect, i.e. we have never agreed that the arrangement put into production was as good as what had been passed in the experimental cars. Would you please let me know on the telephone to-morrow morning what you suggest should be done with Fairey's car. Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} thinks that the only thing that will satisfy Fairey would be for us to incorporate your latest modification to overcome this difficulty. It has not been standardised yet but I expect it has done a good deal of running and in the case of Fairey we could do what we did with his 40/50, i.e. let him know that it was an experimental feature. In view of Fairey's personal weight, Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} thinks that the back shock absorbers' setting might be increased. Re slack in the transmission and fierce clutch, Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} says that this is just a shade worse than would normally be regarded as standard. The only other thing in regard to the car that he refers to is the engine being a little noisy which Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} says is tappets. I am deferring writing anything to Fairey, pending hearing what you suggest should be done. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Enc. Copy of letter from Mr.Fairey to Lp.{Mr Lappin} dated 18.7.34 | ||