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 providing feedback on the Bentley's design, focusing on its lack of space and price point compared to competitors.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0049 | |
| Date | 22th January 1934 | |
| COPY. 22nd January, 1934. Dear Sidgreaves, Thank you for your letter of the 17th inst. and for the booklet of press opinions of the Bentley which I have read with interest. Some time back I was very much in touch with the sporting car fraternity and world, going to races and knowing what such people were saying and thinking, but I rather dropped out of it. Lately however, I seem rather to have got in touch with it again and to hear what is said by that class of owner. The Bentley, of course, is discussed, together with such cars as the 20 Alvis, 4½ litre Lagonda, Siddeley Special, V8 Ford, to mention the English ones and I can tell you that without exception the universal remark about the Bentley is that there is not enough room in it. I think all agree it to be the best, but coupled with "its a pity there is no room in it for four people in comfort on a long run". And "considering it is getting on for twice the price, it is a pity it hasn't the room etc." It makes people wonder too whether the £500 extra is worth it when the performance being much the same, the room is inadequate. Of course many people can't afford the extra price, but I believe that some orders at any rate will go elsewhere whilst both the price and the space advantages are against the Bentley. No doubt for some time you will be able to sell all you can make, but when the first enthusiasts are supplied, I really believe you will then not sell all that you could do unless you get 4" or preferably 6" more room for the back passengers. If you can only scrape up 2" or 3" from modifications to the coachwork, then I think you will have to add 3" or 4" to the chassis, if there is really no other way. The only other thing I have heard said is that the car is not sufficiently imposing looking and that a | ||