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 detailing initial user feedback and complaints about a new car, including a postscript from an insurance broker.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img017 | |
| Date | 29th January 1934 guessed | |
| 2. 4. There is a noise on the over-run, which sounds extra- ordinarily like an axle noise, though I can hardly think that this is the case. It may be due to the tyres, or to the exhaust, but there is definitely a noise caused by something. 5. Owing to the arrangement of the instrument board, the driver cannot see the speedometer between 30 and 80, or the revolution counter between 2,000 and 4,000. 6. There is a terrible amount of noise due to the wind. This is very much reduced if the sliding roof is open. These comments are made after only four or five days' acquaintance with the car, and I feel quite sure that all these little complaints can be overcome; I should like to know what would be the best procedure to get them dealt with - would you suggest that I should write a similar letter to your people in London? There is nothing particularly urgent about any of these points, but I think I would like to have a representative to go out in the car with me some time, and I would prefer it in this district rather than in London, as I know all the road conditions round here so well. I am much obliged to you for your warning about the brakes; it certainly is rather alarming not being able to stop after the car has been washed. Yours sincerely, RFS/HC. Sgd. Richard F.{Mr Friese} Summers. P.S. I have had a letter from the insurance broker with whom I deal, who informs me that the underwriters do not look upon the Bentley as a normal risk. I think perhaps the following sentence of his letter will amuse you :- "As we think you will agree, this type of car in "the hands of an inexperienced driver would be a "menace on the road"! | ||