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).
Concerns about the development focus between the Phantom II, 25 HP, and Bentley models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page406 | |
| Date | 15th July 1933 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to Ds. C. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. to Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} C. to Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} 4173 Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}2/EJ.15.7.33. No. 3 1/2 Litre Bentley. X8593 Replying to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}9/E.14.7.33. We are sorry you should get the impression that there is a possibility of the R.R. models being neglected and the Bentley receiving the most attention. We have in hand an equally extensive programme of improvements both for the Phantom II and the 25 HP. Phantom II. We are treating as our No.1 job of motor-cars the J.lll type Phantom II because we are convinced that this will provide a model which will enable the Phantom II to step right ahead of the Bentley as regards performance. At the same time it will give it much better control and in every way make it a more pleasant motorcar. Although at the present time this is being carried out for the Continental type Phantom, this car is the forerunner of the new standard Phantom II and the 'SpectreCodename for Phantom III' engine when it is ready can be fitted into this chassis. We are fully alive to the criticisms which will be levelled against the R.R. cars at the introduction of the Bentley and no effort is being spared to meet these criticisms. 25 HP. A promise has been made that the present 25 HP. car will be replaced next year by J.lll. This move will provide us with a very definitely improved 25 HP. Although this programme provides us with a tremendous lot of work to do we are satisfied that there is no suggestion of neglecting the R.R. products for the Bentley. If we look back at our past record we think it has been remarkable how we have been able to keep the 25 HP. and Phantom II car in line with improvements. Having a third model will add to our difficulties, but we shall overcome them. We would like to express the view here that the Bentley car cannot be treated as an orphan child, it has got to be looked after, improved, and kept up to date; it has got to build up a reputation for itself and as we are starting up a separate sales organisation to sell one model we have got to make sure that we provide them always with a satisfactory article. | ||