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).
Personal letter of complaint regarding excessive noise in a Phantom II vehicle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\3\ Scan042 | |
| Date | 3rd April 1931 | |
| COPY. Imperial Hotel Exmouth. April 3 1931. J.Sidgreaves Esq. Managing Director, Rolls-Royce Ltd., Conduit St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} W. Personal. Dear Sir: I am extremely sorry to have to write to you personally again with reference to my Phantom II. I stayed here last night on my way to Cornwall, the first run I have had since my car left your Works at Derby a few weeks ago where I had to send it on account of the awful noise which set up at 58 MPH and which your people had to admit. After I return to London and so that you will not be able to contend that I am complaining without just cause I invite you as Managing Director of your Company to come for a short run with me after which I am of opinion you will leave no stone unturned to see (especially so after all the trouble, annoyance and inconvenience I have been put to and the patience I have shown) that no time is lost to put this car into order, it was purchased as you advertise, as the best car in the world, I say no more at present. Since it was delivered to me I have had two well known men (technical and with much experience) travel on the car who are able to fully support the statements I make and who are as I am astonished that your firm should hand over a vehicle in such a state. Now instead of being unbearable at 58 MPH and over it is 50 and over and the car is more noisy in this respect at 20. 45 MPH is the maximum comfortable driving speed which is of no use whatever to me. If it is not convenient for you to have a run with me perhaps after I return to London you will send for the car and do what is necessary without delay and make it at least as good as any good modern car, if you can only do this and give me silence up to 65 MPH which surely I am entitled to seeing this can be obtained on vehicles to-day costing only a tithe of the price, I shall be satisfied. | ||