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).
Production and specifications of the Streamline Bentley 'Corniche' model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\3\ scan0118 | |
| Date | 23th May 1939 | |
| W/S. (Ox). 400c. c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} BY.3/G.23.5.39. STREAMLINE BENTLEY. Originally, I had suggested that we should order two each of the English and French type of the Bentley 'Corniche' car. It was, however, thought that an attempt should be made to produce the English body in England, this being so, and as it had the further advantage of enabling us to see the completed car before committing ourselves to more than one off each, it was decided to order one off each and a framed up body as a guide for the English coachbuilders. We shall, of course, need to do a considerable amount of running with the English type 'Corniche' which means that extra bodies as explained in my previous memo will be required for 'Stand' purposes at the Show. With reference to the question of building the 'Corniche' exactly to the B.5 specification as run on the 50,000 mile test, this is an actual possibility, and is what will be actually done if we have any difficulty in completing sufficient mileage with the car fitted with the special lightened parts. With reference to your remarks in regard to the special features, all of these could be omitted with the exception of the higher axle ratio. This ratio, however, is an existing ratio, which goes in the present box, being standard at one time or another on Bentley II. The only other point which it is necessary to include is a radiator matrix 1" lower than standard, the tanks and fittings, however, are all standard, and this will cause no disability nor require any special testing. The ratios we select will safeguard the reliability of the car by the engine speed at which the maximum speed is attained, and there will be no danger of the engine being over-revved. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||