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).
News page from 'The Motor' magazine covering a Bentley speed run at Montlhéry, motor industry news, and trade figures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0277 | |
| Date | 21th February 1939 | |
| 1379 February 21, 1939. 101 The Motor Contd. IN THE NEWS 4 1/4-Litre Bentley at Montlhery 107 Miles in One Hour FOLLOWING the recent high-speed run across France and Germany, the super-streamlined saloon 4 1/4-litre Bentley, with higher-compression engine, has been busy at the Montlhéry track, outside Paris, running with full touring equipment, spare wheel and so forth. The car was driven by Mr. A.{Mr Adams} W. Sleator, the general manager for Rolls-Royce and Bentley in France, and covered 107.418 miles in one hour—a very fine performance indeed. The fastest lap was at over 109 m.p.h. during the run, but to finish up, an extra lap was done at 110.043 m.p.h. Mr. Sleator pointed out that they were not out after any record, but believed this was the highest speed ever reached by a touring saloon car. His next task, he said, was to prepare the car for further runs. [Image Caption] The Bentley laps Montlhery at nearly 110 m.p.h. "The Motor" Next Tuesday Special New Motorist's Number THE next issue of The Motor will be a special New Motorist's and Spring Preparation Number. It will contain articles of particular interest to the new car owner; advice also on the purchase of new and second-hand models; deal with worthwhile equipment; give advice on the legal points which the newcomer has to appreciate; will feature sports cars and contain a special "Athos" article, amongst other important items. We shall describe also a new model of a popular make. Price 4d., as usual. Exports Exceed Imports THE year 1939 has opened with decreases in both motor export and import trades. Exports of motor vehicles of all types, including parts, in January totalled £1,061,449, which was £337,520 less than in the first month of 1938. Exports of private cars were valued at £481,320, a decrease of £90,981. The greatest increase in the value of exported cars was £24,147 to Eire. Other increases were not material. The largest decrease was £61,649 in the case of New Zealand, and the value of cars exported to Australia declined by £17,751. Imports of motor vehicles of all types, including parts, in January, were valued at £374,057, a decrease of £165,368 compared with the first month of 1938. Car imports amounted to £130,895, a drop of £196,427. The value of cars imported from Germany declined by £83,532, and there was a decrease of £84,387 in car imports from the U.S.A., while car imports from France increased by £12,841. Motor vehicle exports in January exceeded imports by £687,392. Ford Films for 1939 A VERY interesting and entertaining selection of films has been produced for the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., by Publicity Films and Pathé. The highlight of the programme is "Oh, You Clever Boy" (Publicity Films), starring Claude Hulbert, who plays the part of a luckless salesman until he turns his attention to selling a Ford Eight. Another, made by Pathé, "Macadam and Eve," represents the woman's point of view and, incidentally, shows a Ford Eight climbing many of the well-known trials hills in the North, including Jenkins Chapel. Not a "Square Deal" But a Quiet Time THAT the railways should put their house in order first before asking for fresh powers against the competition of road transport, might well have been the text of an able speech by Lord Monkswell in the House of Lords last Wednesday. He pointed to their lack of foresight, their extravagance with millions of the taxpayers' money lent at uneconomic rates, and said that the traffic lost to the roads was that for which they were least suited. And dealing with their cumbrous boards of directors, he said that they knew little about railways and can spare little time to learn, for they valued, above all things, a quiet time for themselves. Mr. Weddell's Loss WE extend our deepest sympathy to Mr. W. B. S. Weddell on the loss of his wife and daughter, who were killed in a motor accident last week. His daughter's friend was also killed, and his son injured. Mr. Weddell is business manager of Motor Commerce. Mr. Emery Resigns IT is announced that Mr. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Emery has resigned from Singer Motors, Ltd.; he was director and general manager. Motor Shows, This Year THE Used Motor Show has been fixed for April 22-May 6 at Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, London, N.1. The Motor Show, at Earls Court, London, S.W., will take place October 12-21. The Scottish Motor Show, Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, November 10-18. The British Industries Fair THE British Industries Fair opened yesterday; it is again in two sections, one in London the other at Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. These are very fine exhibitions, but the motoring interest is centred around accessories, tyres and component manufacturers, there being no complete cars exhibited. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except Sunday) until March 3, and the following are the exhibitors referred to above. At Castle Bromwich (Engineering Section).—Accles and Pollock, Ltd.; Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd.; Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd.; British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.; The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd.; The General Electric Co., Ltd.; Joseph Lucas, Ltd.; David Moseley and Sons, Ltd.; Moss Gear Co., Ltd.; Oldham and Son, Ltd.; P. and H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}, Ltd.; Royal Automobile Club; Rubery, Owen and Co., Ltd.; Tecalemit, Ltd.; Herbert Terry and Sons, Ltd.; Thor Hammer Co.; C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd.; Wellworthy Piston Rings, Ltd. In London (Olympia and Earls Court).—Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd.; Brixton, Ltd.; Cox and Co.; Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd.; I.C.I. (Rexine), Ltd.; Temple Press Ltd. (Plastics); The Raco-Epeda Co., Ltd.; Stadium, Ltd. Note.—Motor accessories and fittings are not shown in the London sections. c1 | ||