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).
Road test feedback and sales point suggestions for a Bentley model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\2\ scan0159 | |
| Date | 15th December 1937 | |
| To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}2/JH.15.12.37. 6.B.IV - Bentley. In addition to Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}'s. tests the car was tried by Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} He stressed the importance at the present time for new Sales points so that something different as an incitement to Bentley Owners to change their cars, can be offered. He found the Wraith steering and 6.50 - 17 tyres most acceptable and could make a real Sales feature of these. The overdrive gearbox he also considered a good thing for Sales, but in common with many others he is concerned with the absence of synchromesh second. The thermostat control of water flow for rapid warming up from cold can also be used as a Sales point. Regarding the engine, the improved slow running and increased performance which was demonstrated will be a very useful feature and it is considered that the slight power throb from the high compression head will give the driver an impression of a "hotter" engine without being sufficiently pronounced to be objectionable. Judging by various remarks and general impressions from Sales and the Trials drivers, there is a demand for a higher maximum speed, and we do not think there is any doubt that a genuine 100 m.p.h. would be a very strong Sales point. At the same time Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} emphasised that the worst feature of the car was the lack of body space and difficultly in getting in and out and that this required primary consideration. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/I.M.Waller. | ||