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).
Summary of correspondence with Mr. Kleinwort regarding his feedback on car performance and features.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan213 | |
| Date | 2nd July 1932 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy. I have been having some very interesting correspondence with young Mr. Kleinwort - one of the sons of Sir Alexander Kleinwort to whom I sold a 40/50 car many years ago. He seems to be a very knowledgeable young man and knows what he is talking about, and some of his criticisms may be of interest to you and to the Works. Some time ago I arranged for Mr. Kleinwort to try the Continental and he tried 31-GX, the car we had in commission last year. He was very delighted with the car, but I need not deal with any points, except those which he criticised. He then said "If you will permit me one frank criticism, I was disappointed with the smoothness of the engine under load at all speeds - I prefer a braking system which provides if anything for more load to be taken on the front wheels." I knew at the time that we were experimenting with the diamond engine mounting although I could not tell him so, but I did make it known to him that we were fully alive not only to the advantages of what might be termed flexible engine mountings but also to the disadvantages of them when applied to a high-powered engine. He accepted that statement, and concluded our correspondence at the time on that subject by saying "I feel sure that you will eventually produce an entirely vibrationless engine with no less power than that developed by your present Continental Phantom engine. When that moment arrives I consider that the perfect motor car will have been discovered." Recently I invited Mr. Kleinwort to try our present Continental 85-JS{Mr Johnson's Secretary}, and with regard to engine suspension or vibration he writes me" I congratulate you upon the complete success of your new engine mounting". He still criticised our brakes as not being as pleasing to him as others. He also criticised the heat of the front of the car, but I dealt with these points suitably in a reply. I also endeavoured to draw him out further on the subject of brakes and also speed, as he says of course the car is not nearly fast enough for him. His reply now to hand is very interesting, and you may like to send it on to the Works, particularly for them to notice the comments on brakes and speed. The Kleinworts have until recently been driving one of the big 8-cylinder Leylands but changed it quite recently for an 8-litre Bentley. (Sgd.) Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Enc: Original letter from Mr. Kleinwort dated 1.7.32. | ||