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).
Confirming points from a telephone conversation regarding testing and issues with Bentley and Wraith cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\3\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 2nd March 1938 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} 60za also 200a Chateauroux I/2.3.38 26.G.Vl.{V. Lewis / Mr Valentine} and 6.B.lV. I beg to confirm the following points noted during our telephone conversation this morning. 1) Bentley to complete 10,000 miles before being tried by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} not later than the end of next week. 2) Wraith to be tried by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} before it is dismantled for examination of pistons, etc. 3) Both cars to meet Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} at coast on a day to be arranged later, and Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} to take Bentley back to Derby. 4) Bentley front braking proportion to be reduced forthwith and front brake parts essential for further running to be obtained from Paris Depot. 5) Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} will see EWP.{Mr Punt} at Paris re body insulation while getting Bentley front brakes fitted up. 6) Wheel wobbles on Bentley definitely brought on only by front brake inequalities and grabbing. 7) Weak mixture on Bentley when travelling on snow probably due to drain which forms float chamber vents, becoming sealed by ice. 8) Wraith servo judders probably due to star springs digging into spindle. Multiple star springs being sent out. 9) Modified rear engine mounting also being sent out. 10) Front brake wear on Wraith discussed. 11) Rattle at 4100 r.p.m. discussed. 12) Mileage of cars. Bentley 8,000. Wraith 8,500 If Hardy came with Martindale, he could hear the steering rattles on corners on Wraith which will be very much less easy to reproduce on English roads, and he could also try the Bentley steering on bad roads. He could return with Martindale in the Bentley. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} | ||