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 from George Eyston proposing a plan to prepare two cars for the Le Mans race, including trials at Montlhéry.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0275 | |
| Date | 21th February 1939 guessed | |
| -2- Subject to a satisfactory 24 hours trial on the Montlhery road circuit and 12 laps of the Le Mans Course itself, and subsequent satisfactory strip, then I would suggest preparing two cars for Le Mans for serious business. As you know, this Le Mans Race has to be tackled whole-heartedly or left alone. We can economise in cost in many directions from experience in these matters, and naturally you must decide now to throw your whole weight into the affair if you decide to go ahead. The whole thing would be an entirely separate entity to the 24 hours on the Piste de Vitesse at Montlhery, which certainly should be done to gain experience, and both events must go forward together, starting now. Personally I think you would be well advised to do this work as it would be helpful with the new cars you have in mind, it would give you the right kind of publicity, and only when you are fully satisfied do we take the floor at Le Mans. Up to that time it is your own private test work for your 'Continental Car'. I should like to see you doing this work and I am very interested, but have no ulterior motive other than helping you to the maximum. Can we make a date for first thing Monday morning next the 27th. inst., at Derby to go into all the details of the Montlhery Car and the Le Mans business, by which time you will get a decision on the latter ? With all kind regards, Yours very sincerely, George Eyston. Dictated by Captain Eyston but signed on his behalf by his Secretary. | ||