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).
Private letter discussing preparations for a 'Performance Controle' with a Bentley, including logistics for tyres, a driver, and track testing at Montlhery.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0121 | |
| Date | 24th January 1939 | |
| COPY. PERSONAL & PRIVATE. 50, Pall Mall, S.W.1. 24th January, 1939. W.A. Robotham Esq., Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, In connection with our conversation reference 'Performance Controle' with "Bentley" I should strongly advocate that the O.K. be given immediately on this matter. Even so - (a). One is compelled to order the special tyres necessary which have to be manufactured and delivered in Paris. In my experience this is a 6/8 weeks' job. (b). If the performance is within the grasp of the car it should be done as soon as possible, because one is forced to choose good weather conditions for these attempts and can only undertake them when all the equipment has been proved satisfactory and is ready for action. (c). I understand that Charles Brackenbury is being permanently employed by Lagondas in order to hot up their machines, and it is more than likely that competition work will be entered into if he is there, and I take it that the owner of the Bentley requires his machine back some time, and it will have to be put in order for him to use again, which all takes time. (d). There is also the International situation as Montlhery might be commandeered for military purposes etc., as it is being used to a large extent at this moment by the Authorities. I require to first make a test run on the Montlhery Track at night to see that the lighting equipment is adequate and go over there to find suitable garage accommodation at the Track. Also make special preparations for my portable shed to be erected on the concrete, which serves as a refuelling station under cover, if necessary, and a place where the | ||