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).
Letter addressing a customer's complaint about noise and rattle in a new Bentley chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\3\ scan0075 | |
| Date | 10th October 1934 | |
| X7961 R11/H101934. 10th October, 1934. Sir Stanley White, Bart., Hollywood Tower, Westbury. Sir, Re: Bentley chassis No. B.33-BL. We greatly regret to learn from Messrs. Jack Barclay Ltd., that you feel dissatisfied with your new car in respect of noise or rattle when moving away from rest. We are aware that it is possible to experience this rattle which arises from certain necessary play in the synchro-mesh box but we think you will find it can be avoided by starting from rest on first gear as we recommend, and then unless on a steep hill changing straight into the synchromesh third. We, of course, recommend for this type of Sports car that the engines should be running at a fair speed when engaging the clutch. We believe our Works has been investigating this matter but we were not aware that they have arranged with Mr. Fedden to fit any modification to overcome it. We are, however, in communication with them and wish to assure you that anything they are able to do towards obviating the rattle for Mr. Fedden, we shall be pleased to instruct them to do for you. We have noted that you would like a representative to call upon you at Bristol at three o'clock on Monday or Wednesday next, and we are asking our Derby Works to arrange this, and to discuss the matter fully with you. They will write to you to fix an appointment and we trust this arrangement will be satisfactory to you. | ||