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 of complaint regarding the overdrive model, springing, and reliability issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\1\ scan0250 | |
| Date | 17th March 1939 | |
| JOHN SUMMERS & SONS, LIMITED, SHOTTON, CONTINUANCE No... 1. W.A. Robotham Esq. 17.3.39. than the alleged overdrive model. I am not opposed to the principle of an overdrive, but I am opposed to it if it is substituted for the old third gear. It is a great pity you could not arrange to give us five gears, which to my mind would be the ideal set up. The springing of course is still the worst feature of the car, and I do hope the Powers that Be at Derby will soon let you put an independently sprung car - which I assume you have had for some time - on to the market. Incidentally I have found my car falling to pieces rather rapidly lately. I have had to have new pistons, and now I find that both the back springs are broken. I have told Heywood in no uncertain terms what a poor product it is, and I am sending all the broken bits and pieces back to him. Both the springs have gone through the oil hole in the third leaf. I think it is nearly time I came over and gave you the benefit of my advice, as it seems that Messrs. Rolls Royce are not making the progress that they ought to!! Yours sincerely, Richard. | ||