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).
Customer complaint from Mr. Payton regarding dangerous braking on chassis No. B-39-AE.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\2\ scan0098 | |
| Date | 10th February 1934 | |
| Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} FBS{F. Bell-Scott} L206 EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}4/MR.10.2.34 re Chassis No.B-39-AE - Mr.Payton Dangerous Braking Complaint. ref FBS{F. Bell-Scott}7/MC.5.2.34 As instructed, I delivered the above to Mr. Payton on the 8th inst. Unfortunately Mr Payton was out of town and was only able to see me at his home at 6.30, when it was naturally inopportune for him to try the car or for me to make demonstrations to restore his confidence, also the effect of washing and how dealt with, which I pointed out was the chief object of my visit. I proffered to come again when such demonstrations could be made, but Mr Payton considered this unnecessary. He was pleased to know that we had taken up the position so seriously and had confidence that he would now probably have no further trouble. He would use the car, and in case of further trouble would let us know. In all other respects he was pleased with the car. In discussing the braking with Mr Payton and his wife (who chiefly drives the car) he was not sympathetic on what he called the 'cock and bull' story of special care with the braking after washing, which he said had been explained to him on taking delivery. It was not a question of a mile or so but 10 to 15 miles before the brakes worked correctly, and by then he did not feel they were safe or reliable, and could not obtain the virtues of this car for speed owing to lack of confidence. in the brakes. The salient point which we must accept as reasonable, and consider seriously our policy on this matter, is that he owned a Phantom II and now owns a 25 H.P. and they received the same treatment by the same people as the Bentley, and he never had any similar trouble. That washing a car does affect the brakes is appreciated, but normally it means that the brakes for a time are not so effective, but not dangerous, as they can be made to work quite safely | ||