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).
Cracked big end bearings on a demonstrator car, listing potential customers at risk, and proposing proactive maintenance to uphold Bentley's reputation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan143 | |
| Date | 29th October 1934 | |
| - 2 - Srl/Crn.29.10.34. Upon suggestions made by "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}", we dismantled B 5.A.E., and the big end bearings were found to be cracked. This car, however, has covered about 32,200 miles, under the very worst possible conditions, viz: demonstrating during the hot periods of the year, and it is probably the only car amongst our demonstrators with which I have had to peform at Montléry on numerous occasions. The car would not have stood up much longer. The customers I have in mind at the present time, who will probably develope this trouble during the next few months are :- F.E. Blanc. E.E. Blanc. T. Arathoon. I. de Landa. The above mentioned procedure will doubtless cost us far less in the long run than if :- 1. We await for the accident to occur. 2. Presume that we have a ruling stating that after so many miles, the bottom halves should definitely be removed for inspection, etc., as this mileage will certainly vary considerably according to the manner in which the cars are driven. For my part over here, I can safely state I know to whom the cars have been sold, and what kind of driver the owner is. Please accept my apologies for the lengthy nature of this memo., but I consider it of vital importance. The Bentley enjoys a good reputation over here, and our future depends on its good name being upheld -therefore its durability. Sr. [Faint text stamped vertically on right margin: B E N T L E Y] | ||