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 responding to an enquiry about a 12-cylinder engine for a Bentley chassis, clarifying its status and mentioning factory reorganisation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\1\ scan0244 | |
| Date | 23th March 1938 | |
| 261.s.s. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}13/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 23rd March, 1938. R.{Sir Henry Royce} Summers, Esq., Messrs. John Summers & Sons, Limited, Hawarden Bridge Steel Works, SHOTTON, Chester. Dear Dick, Thank you for your letter of March 22nd. I was very interested to hear about the 12-cyl. engine for the Bentley chassis; I think your informant must have got mixed up with the Lagonda. I can assure you that we fully appreciate the desirability of improving the Bentley. Sometimes our movements must seem incredibly slow to the outside world, but as you know we have to try and be sure before we move. The complete reorganisation of the Factory since Mr. Hives took over means that we have had to pause somewhat before going ahead, but I have never felt happier about our motor-car position than I do at present. I can assure you that we are much more concerned about the suspension of the Bentley than its power plant, and, as a matter of fact, I think it is extremely difficult to justify a 12-cyl. engine in any car less than 6 litres capacity. Incidentally, a 12-cyl. engine is quite the most awkward thing to put in a car that I know of. I expect to be in Leyland, Lancs., shortly, and will call in and see you on my way back if I can manage it. Yours sincerely, | ||