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).
Confidential letter from G.E.T. Eyston to W.A. Robotham proposing an entry into the Le Mans race with two specially prepared saloon cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0274 | |
| Date | 19th February 1939 | |
| COPY. G.E.T.EYSTON, 50, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1. 19th. February, 1939. CONFIDENTIAL. W.A.Robotham, Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, I have reflected about Le Mans, and I think that you probably expect to hear from me about this, particularly in view of my driving the Bentley on the road circuit at Montlhery last week. I have every reason to believe that it would be worth while preparing two saloon cars forthwith, and if the trials were satisfactory to have them in the race. I would be prepared to throw my weight into this business in whatever capacity you think fit. I could, for instance, offer to organise and supervise the effort and test the car. I probably could do better work if I did not drive in the actual race, but I have Charlie Dodson and S.C.H. Davis to name two for that, if we can come to a decision now. I think if you are contemplating Le Mans for publicity purposes we should start in on the job forthwith, as there is no time to be lost. Tests should be done on the road circuit at Montlhery at once with the engines, transmission and brake gear you contemplate using. Arrangements should be made to produce two streamlined saloon bodies on the lines of the "record-breaker" with something different in the way of windscreens and ventilation. | ||