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).
Bentley production, the position on Girling brakes, and avoiding a repeat of the Phantom III experience.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\5\ scan0323 | |
| Date | 28th April 1938 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1260. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/R.28.4.38. BENTLEY PRODUCTION. We note the position re Girling brakes, also the statement that it is anticipated the last 75 in 'M' Series may never be made. As you know, our greatest fear of B.III has always been that it would be introduced too soon and we should repeat our disastrous P.III experience. Unfortunately, the rationalised programme does not help us get a prototype, it can only ensure that when evolved the maximum amount of use is derived from the prototype. One reason why we had hoped to try out Girling brakes on B.II was to have one less novelty on B.III. Any troubles are less likely to harm a model that is going out of production than one which is just starting life. This being so, we are anxious that the Administration should appreciate what a very formidable task has been undertaken by the Engineering Dept. Possibly the attached notes will make this clear. If you think that Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} expects us to keep to our time table without difficulty and is legislating accordingly, then I think he should see these notes. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||