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).
Strategic discussion about exchanging a Bentley and an analysis of competitor cars like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\2\ scan0038 | |
| Date | 12th February 1934 | |
| -4- Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}9/KW.12.2.34. Thank you for your Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}9/MJ.23.1.34 and for Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}13/MJ.23.1.34 and Eg.3/E.19.1.34. As I believe I told you, G.M. do not yet know what the patent position is here and don't expect to for some little time. With regard to exchanging the Bentley, Cadillacs do not seem so keen on this now, as it does not bear the remotest resemblance to anything they are selling, their smallest product being about as big as the short chassis Phantom. Therefore since (a) the car is useful to us and (b) there is resistance to exchanging it, it would seem best not to force the point. One point about the 16 cyl., it would give us some data on a straight eight if we ever think of making one. The other point is that the only close big car with independent suspension is the Cadillac. Neither Lincoln, Pierce, nor Packard have brought this out yet. My own view is that we shall probably have to get one of the new Imperial Chryslers as well if we are to know the whole story of the progress in suspension, but shall know more when I have tried the car. However good the engine of the Cadillac 16 is, I am sure everyone will hate it in England, as it is too much Automobile for anything except arterial roads. The latest effort weighs 5900 lbs. or well over 3 tons with a 156" wheelbase. Therefore, if you must have a 12 cyl. car with independent front suspension there is really not much alternative to the Cadillac 12 cyl. I am bothering you with this because if you reply c/o Olley, Cadillacs, I shall get it when I return here at the beginning of March. Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||