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 from a customer reporting an accident with his Bentley car and providing feedback on its handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0089 | |
| Date | 28th September 1934 | |
| COPY. Ref. 23 D/T. A.F.Sidgreaves Esq., E.O.Tips, Aerodrome, Gosselies. (lez Charleroi) 28th September 1934 Dear Sir, I feel very sorry to have to tell you that I have had an accident with my 'Bentley' car after such a short time in use. Due tp the lack of road sense of a lorry driver, I had to brake fairly hard while running along a straight pavé road at about 100 to 110 Kms an hour. The effect of the braking started a shimmy which made the car practically unmanageable and as there was not too much room to pass, the car unfortunately struck a mule-drawn cart, sheering the centre bolt holding the back axle to the off side rear spring, and bending the rear axle, causing the wheel to lock solid. This produced a skid, the car swerved right round and slidered backwards for several yards. My insurance is of course covering all expenses towards the repair of the car; I am proposing to ship the car to England to haveit put in perfect condition again. I very muchfeel the loss of the car which had already given me so much pleasure and satisfaction and with which there is only one fault to find, and that is: front wheel springing and braking effect on pavé roads. I hope you will not think that I am trying to criticise the car in any way in order to make an excuse for my accident, my only reason for the above comments is to provide constructive criticism. If you would be good enough to arrange for the repair of my car with the least possible delay it will be greatly appreciated by - Yours faithfully, (Sgd) E.O.Tips. | ||