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).
Translated letter refuting claims about vehicle testing practices made in a French publication.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\3\ 03-page104 | |
| Date | 13th May 1930 guessed | |
| TRANSLATION The person who wrote the letter published in "Le Moniteur des Travaux Publics" of May 8th., under the heading: "A quoi servent nos Routes, is definitely wrong in stating that we have made Châteauroux "our centre of trials". First of all, the Garage where we store our cars does not belong to us, although this gentleman states that Rolls-Royce own a garage in the centre of the town. This garage belongs to Mr. Tr{Capt. F. W. Turner - Finance}ône, who at the present time lives in Vincennes (Seine), 39, Rue de Montreuil. This gentleman also states that we always have several cars to test. This also is wrong, as it is very seldom that we stay in France, or I should rather say on the Continent, more than a month at a time. We do not stay all the time in Châteauroux, on the contrary we travel all over France, and even in foreign countries. For example, we have just come back from a tour in Italy, Switzerland and Germany with a car, as is proved by the Triptyque. Also, very frequently, we go as far as Nice, Cannes, and le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence (Var) to consult with Mr. Royce, our Chief Engineer, who lives at Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence. Therefore, it is solely for our convenience that we have an address in Châteauroux, where our correspondence can be addressed, and where we can receive parts which we may need for repairs. I think it wise to add that the cars which we have do not belong to the Rolls-Royce firm, but to private individuals, who have complained to us of defects in their cars, and it is in order to find out the cause of their troubles and be able to remedy them that we test those cars. It is wrong that each car which Rolls-Royce turn out has to do 10.000 Kms before it is delivered, this is impossible. Also, it is wrong that we run 1.000 kms every day. I have only four mechanics with me, and not three or four teams as states the correspondant of the "Moniteur des Travaux Publics". As regards speed, Rolls-Royce cars certainly can reach a speed of 130 kilometres an hour, but we never drive at this maximum speed. There are French cars that can do 150 kilometres an hour, and perhaps more. When passing through towns or villages, we always slow down to the maximum speed allowed. In this respect, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we have never been fined, either for excessive speed, or any other reason, which proves that we do not break the rules in force. | ||