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 from Raymond Mays complaining about a 'drumming noise' and harshness in his new Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\4\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 4th April 1938 | |
| 26155 Raymond Mays EASTGATE HOUSE BOURNE LINCOLNSHIRE TELEPHONE: BOURNE 17 April 4th 1938. S.W.Grylls.Esq. Messrs.Rolls-Royce Ltd. DERBY. My dear Grylls. I have done several hundred miles on the Bentley since collecting her from Derby the other day. The engine is running very sweetly, and under ordinary normal conditions on a flat road, she will pull 4100 on top gear. You told me this is about right, but I must say I still feel a little disappointed after my last Car which I can assure you was faster and also had quicker acceleration, particularly from low speeds. The 'drumming noise' as you say, is still there, and I must say it does spoil the beauty of the Motor Car - About 72 m.p.h. on top gear she seems better than before, but between 60 and 72, both up and down it really is most unpleasant, and as this is a speed nearly always used, it becomes most monotonous - In fact people whom I take in the Car remark upon it. I can definitely feel a very slight harshness on the accelerator pedal when travelling between these speeds, particularly when de-accelerating, and this harshness is exactly the same on third gear (at the same revs as on top), which I must say points to something mechanical. I have not yet arranged to take the Car to Park Ward for them to go over the body etc. as I should particularly like to have your advise and comments about this 'drumming noise' before doing so. I am sure you will understand that I do not wish to complain unnecessarily but I really would like to over-come this trouble. Kindest regards. Yours sincerely, Raymond Mays | ||