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 to 'Rm' discussing his return from the USA, M. Dubonnet's springing patents, a Continental test drive, and a Bentley test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27\2\ Scan209 | |
| Date | 8th May 1934 | |
| X1775- 8.5.34. Dear "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}", I recently saw M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Dubonnet the other day, and he told me that he had had the pleasure of speaking to you in Derby - therefore you have returned from your wanderings in the U.S.A. First of all I must apologize for my silence. As Doris must have most certainly told you, your humble servant and the prowess of pen-wielding have never agreed. I was delighted to receive your letter from the States, telling me that you had been able to call upon my sister. I also got a letter from her giving me information to the effect that you had all had a hectic time. I wish that I had been there to join the party, and keep the old flag flying. When are we going to have the pleasure of seeing you and Mrs "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}". I have now "gotten" (U.S.A. !!) into a new apartment, and we should be delighted to put you up at the first available opportunity. Your book, L'affaire Jones, duly turned up and has created great interest. In fact, after having read it myself very carefully, I handed it round. I am now waiting to see you to be able to discuss the episode of Jones' experiences in this fair land of France !! Before giving you my ideas, I should very much like to hear your own views. M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Dubonnet, who has spent the best part of a year on springing, etc., is frightfully enthusiastic about what he is going to do for R.R. I must admit that his springing has advantages, but as I told him quite frankly, he will find no difficulties in selling his patents to such firms as Austin, Standard, etc. for the very excellent reasons that they need sales arguments, but of course he cannot expect us to cotton on to his ideas so easily. You will be glad to hear that Faroux, to whom we lent a ride control Continental for the week-end, is enthusiastic about this method of shock damping, and is writing to "Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}" on the subject. I also had occasion to "bat" this car - 23 RY. I must admit that I find it very agreeable. However, I am afraid that the Bentley has completely spoilt me and I say quite frankly that I have no use for anything else. During Easter, I was able to give the Bentley a good test, and it will not surprise you to hear that I am now even more enthusiastic than ever, for with five people up, I covered 216 kms. in 2 hrs 15 mins, and 322 kms in 3 hrs 30 mins. You will also be interested to hear that on my return trip, a 2.3 double camshaft blown Bugatti got a good ride for its money, with a result that the owner of this car called in our Showrooms a few days ago to obtain information regarding the Bentley. and arrange for a trial run. Hope to see you soon, Yours ever, [signature] | ||