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).
Secret memo discussing the publicity strategy and costs associated with the Montlhery performance runs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0267 | |
| Date | 18th February 1939 | |
| 1379. SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}8/R.18.2.39. MONTLHERY RUN. With reference to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}3/E.16.2.39., the French papers wrote up the Montlhery run very well. It is apparent that the English papers are not, generally speaking, interested in motoring stunts. Lagondas got the majority of their publicity from advertising the speeds which they achieved. Considering that these were not officially timed, it was a somewhat doubtful procedure. We do think, however, that if we are to get full value from the work so far done, we should advertise that if people want to go fast we can provide them with a car which will beat anything at present in existence. As the next projected Montlhery run is going to cost a considerable amount of money, it might be as well to carefully consider whether this is worth while in view of the potential publicity it is likely to obtain. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||