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).
Letter discussing potential Bentley improvements, categorised for 'Speed Merchant' and 'Ordinary Owner' customer profiles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\4\ scan0313 | |
| Date | 4th June 1936 | |
| W/S - Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} K20P Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}24/KW.4.6.36. PRIVATE. Dear Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales}, Many thanks for your letter of May 27th. Dealing with your points in order - (1) Bentley Accommodation. I firmly believe that if the Bentley is to maintain its sales it has got to be right at the top with regard to performance. I also believe that you would get a lot more sales if you had more room in the body. If I make a list of the points I am working on on the Bentley at the present time, they fall into two distinct classes; one lot would delight the man who wants the ultimate in performance, the others would appeal strongly to the ordinary owner. Tabulating these :- Speed Merchant (1) Greater power output. (2) Better acceleration. (3) Freer and lighter exhaust system. (4) Better high speed road holding. (5) Directional stability at high speeds improved. (6) Lightest possible car consistent with reasonable accommodation. (7) Brakes that will not fade. Ordinary Owner (1) Better slow running. (2) Smoother and more silent engine. (3) Four wheel jacks. (4) Softer road springs giving increased riding comfort. (5) Lighter steering for traffic work. (6) 3" more body room and increased luggage accommodation. (7) Improved petrol and oil consumption. | ||