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).
Concerns over Bentley sales, public perception, and suggestions for new marketing and publicity strategies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\3\ scan0063 | |
| Date | 25th October 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Handwritten: 200 also 1260 BENTLEY. We are particularly interested in the present Bentley Sales because, if they are not maintained, we shall be in danger of having to rush the production of Bentley III. It appears to us that if public interest in the existing Bentley chassis is to be maintained, it may be necessary to do some window dressing. Can the new steering, large tyres and overdrive gearbox be well written up to stimulate buying? At Earls Court this year one felt that customers would not have talked so much about the negative attributes of the Bentley, such as lack of independent suspension, had there have been some counter publicity. The attached extracts from the Show Number of "The Motor" indicate that our competitors are doing some agressive publicity work. It appears to us that Sr's streamlined car may offer a useful piece of advertising if the results achieved come up to expectations. The scheme appeals to us because it demands the minimum amount of work from Derby. The other suggestion we make is that Sales might like to put over a car called the "Continental Bentley" to get the greatest result from the overdrive box. We have had some very strong criticisms from owners regarding the Bentley advertisements which suggest that the car could not be improved by independent suspension. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||