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 discussing Bentley petrol consumption, a potential new 'Benelephant' engine, and the impact of the war on car design and taxation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\5\ scan0064 | |
| Date | 29th September 1939 | |
| [Handwritten top center: 261] CONTRACTORS TO THE WAR OFFICE AND AIR MINISTRY. WORKS: DAGENHAM DOCK. ESSEX. TELEPHONE: POTTER STREET 71 PETO & RADFORD Proprietors - Pritchett & Gold and E.P.S. Company Ltd. SALES AND GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS DEPARTMENTS. } DURING WAR { "RUNDELLS" LATTON, near HARLOW, Essex. OUR REF M/5. YOUR REF............ 29th September, 1939. W.A. Robotham, Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. [Large initialled signature 'Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}' over the first paragraph] Dear Robotham, Thank you for yours of the 28th instant, and for the instructions about the Bentley and petrol consumption. I have been using it hard here without any attention and without lubrication other than the pedal, and I must get it attended to some time soon and gone over and I wonder if Pike could do it and whether he could do these other things that you mention too? I had a letter from Kennington saying that they had some device which put down consumption by four or five miles to the gallon but I do not know what it is. Have you heard of it? Yes, it is disappointing that your work has not been knocked on the head as you say but only put into cold storage but it will be wanted just the same at some later date. With regard to this, I feel more certain than ever that your Benelephant engine must be much smaller than you contemplated. Originally 3½ litre, I persuaded S.G. and others it must come back to the old 20 H.P. dimensions but now I think you will have to make it about 10% smaller because the people who will buy these cars will have to pay two-thirds to three-quarters of their income away in taxation. I am hoping to come to Derby some time later on when things have got more settled down and less hectic, when perhaps we shall meet. Yours sincerely, [Signature: G.A.Mitchell] | ||