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).
The demonstration and delivery of a 3.5 litre Bentley, including customer feedback and internal commentary.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0115 | |
| Date | 14th December 1934 | |
| c. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} L7961 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}8/MH.{M. Huckerby}14.12.34 re 3.5 litre Bentley - Chassis No.B-120-CR{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} H.Wakefield Esq. The following is a report on our demonstration and delivery of the above .- "I demonstrated this car to the owner and a representative of The Windermere Engineering Co. Mr.Wakefield, who has profound knowledge of cars, having owned about 50 cars in his lifetime, was very keen on the design of the chassis. He fails to understand why the oil pump is placed higher than the orifice of the oil suction pipe, which appears to be the apparent reason for air locks after changing the oil. Furthermore, he maintains an oil filter should be fitted to delivery side of oil pump, as oil is there under pressure and a finer gauge could be fitted as compared to the suction side. He also commented upon the possibility of a shield being fitted over the drain holes on the brake drums and fitting a return spring on the starting control on the steering column. I gave him instruction on the chassis and on handling car, emphasising inefficiency of brakes after washing and not to exceed 4,500 r.p.m. (sgd) C.M.Derschow. J.L.E." in regard to which Sales have written as follows .- "With reference to Derschow's report of delivery demonstration of this car and of Mr.Wakefield's criticisms, will you please send a copy of the report to W. We do not know whether Mr Wakefield is expecting anyone in our design department to acknowledge and take an interest in his suggestions, but if he is, no doubt you will tell W. Probably the customer would be pleased and flattered if somebody did write with regard to the matters mentioned. (sgd) H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints}" [Handwritten] me We should like your comments on the above, and you will no doubt arrange, if possible, for this to be conveyed to the customer through S. CP KP | ||