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).
Customer's vehicle trouble and a potential new sale with specific bearing requirements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0248 | |
| Date | 18th August 1936 | |
| S/W. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Bly{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales}/13/SM. 18.8.36. Re: Guy A.{Mr Adams} Vandervell, Vandervell Products, Ltd., Western Avenue, W.3 Owner of B.147.CW. The above's car, B.147.CW, is at present at K.{Mr Kilner} having run a big end. Having sold two 4¼-litre Bentleys to his father and Mr. Guy Vandervell having bought the above mentioned car from his father, he 'phoned me to say how disappointed he was with the 3½-litre Bentley with regard to performance and also having had the above mentioned trouble. Further to this he has tried the 4¼-litre Bentley and thinks there is such an improvement that he is contemplating purchasing one providing we can put up a satisfactory proposition. One condition he makes if he purchases a 4¼-litre Bentley is that it should be equipped with bearings as supplied by his firm. These bearings are made under licence by the firm Vandervell Products,Ltd. and are of cleveland Graphite Bronze of the thin wall type. I understand from Mr. Guy Vandervell that he has been in communication with you at some time or other and that you would be agreeable for these bearings to be put in the Bentley providing the Administration agreed. C. would agree to them being fitted to the Bentley if you think they would not damage the car's reputation; in other words if you think they would stand up to the job. We think therefore if we get this information from you that there is every hope of getting Mr. Vandervell to order a 4¼-litre Bentley providing he accepts responsibility for his own bearings. Your early reply would oblige. Bly{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} | ||