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 S. Smith & Sons regarding instrument comparisons, competitor contracts for lower horsepower cars, and A.T. policy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 165\2\ img041 | |
| Date | 5th March 1937 | |
| 105 6051 CONTRACTORS TO ADMIRALTY, WAR OFFICE & AIR MINISTRY [STAMP: ENGINEERING AND ALLIED EMPLOYERS' NATIONAL FEDERATION] TELEPHONE: GLADSTONE 3333 (20 LINES) TELEGRAMS: SPEEDOFAC, PHONE, LONDON. [LOGO: S. SMITH & SONS (MOTOR ACCESSORIES) LTD] CABLES: SPEEDOFAC, LONDON. CODES: MARCONI, COMMERCIAL, BENTLEY'S. [CREST: BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY THE KING] BRANCHES AT PARIS MILAN SYDNEY WELLINGTON -- AGENCIES AND SERVICE STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE AND IN ALL THE PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES SHOWROOMS & DEPOTS 179-185 GT PORTLAND ST LONDON W.1 26-33 COX ST COVENTRY BIRMINGHAM 14a JACKSONS ROW DEANSGATE MANCHESTER 21 DRURY STREET GLASGOW DUBLIN & BELFAST CRICKLEWOOD WORKS LONDON, N.W.2 Please quote our reference: S.l. SALES DIRECTOR'S OFFICE. 5th March 1937. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} West, Esq., Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. Dear West, Thanks for yours of the 3rd, contents of which I have noted, especially your observations in reference to our competitors' instrument. In view of the comparison you make with the "Smith" I am sure you will be interested to learn that the only business which our competitors have taken from us (this a year ago) is for a certain nine and ten horse-power car instrument contract. However, in spite of the fact that their prices show definite savings, the chassis manufacturer concerned is only fitting their instruments to the nine horsepower model in future! I have taken the trouble to bother you with this information as I am quite sure you will readily appreciate that if these instruments are not acceptable to makers of ten horsepower mass-produced cars they cannot possibly appeal to the great firm of Rolls-Royce. I am sure you are not serious in comparing these instruments with the A.T. As regards the question of A.T. policy generally and costs - as mentioned in my previous letter, since your last visit these matters have had very serious consideration and I can assure you that we are out to help you. | ||