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).
Comparative review of a Bentley instruction book with suggestions for the company's own publication.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 139\3\ scan0014 | |
| Date | 24th February 1932 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X9957 See me HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RECEIVED 25 FEB 1932 To BY from Fg. Copy to Mr. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} re Instruction Book. Bentley's Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}22/E24.2.32 I recently sent Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} on his request a set of books for the different Bentley Models. I asked him to let me you have sight of one or two of the more recent ones so that you could look through it from the point of view of seeing whether there were any features that we thought better than ours. I have had the 8-litre book scrutinised by one of our people here from the same point of view and as the result the following suggestions are made: Pages 3 and 4. It is noticeable that Bentleys make a feature of describing their Repair Depts. as "Service Depts" and appear to encourage owners to refer to them for advice. It is not stated that any assistance will be gratis. I believe we give a great deal of gratis assistance at Cricklewood, and it might be good policy to mention the fact that we will do so in our book. There is more than a possibility that this will give rise from time to time to chargeable repair work. Page 8. I notice the Bentley Company points its form of Guarantee in the book. There is something to be said for this as possibly in many cases the chauffeur, who is often entrusted with the management of matters, does not see the Guarantee, which has been sent to the Owner. Page 9. "General Information". The chassis particulars given on this page, are more clearly set out and are fuller than our page of "Leading particulars". Page 14. The "General Survey" which appears on this page seems rather good, and is written apparently for the benefit of the owner who has less general ability and knowledge than a chauffeur. It tells him and shews him, pictorially, where things are that normally need some slight attention, and ends on page 20. Page 92. The map indicating the position of the Bentley Service Department is a good idea. We might well include one for Cricklewood, but it should shew the bus and tube services available, which are not shewn in the Bentley map. | ||