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).
Potential change in lubricating oil suppliers for the new Bentley, suggesting Vacuum Oil Company and listing other approved oils.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 145\1\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 1st January 1933 | |
| X 1588 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re Bentley. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}14/E2.1.33 I said some time ago that I thought that with the new Bentley we might make a change in regard to lubricating oil and give one of the other Companies a chance who have been worrying us for many years to get our business. One of the firms that I have had in mind was the Vacuum Oil Company, and I have given a letter of introduction to Major Russell Sharp to come to see you about it. I have no special axe to grind for them except that he is an old war-time colleague of mine and he has been trying unsuccessfully for about 12 years to get me to influence the Works to approve of Vacuum oil for RR chassis. In connection with the Bentley I have in mind that we ought to follow much the same policy as the old Bentley Company did, i.e. approve of about three well- known types of oil. I have not one of their Instruction books by me but Mr.Pike of the Service Station tells me that according to their book they used to recommend Aero Shell and failing that either of the following: Price's Motorine. Castrol XL. Mobiloil BB. Vidol Extra heavy. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} PS. Major Russell Sharp is coming to Derby on Thursday when I understand that you will be at the Works. | ||