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).
Status report on various Bentley cars undergoing testing, detailing their configurations, modifications, and supply issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\1\ scan0015 | |
| Date | 19th July 1939 | |
| - 2 - HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}/WSC.{W. S. Cassel}8/BA.19.7.39. BENTLEY CARS ON TEST. 7.B.V. On test for general development. Fitted with B.V.No.3 Unit. 8.B.V. On test, rebuilt after 50,000 miles trials. Fitted with B.V. No.7 Unit. 9.B.V. On test fitted with B.III.No.4 Unit. Roller Bearings replacing Ball Bearings fitted in the Rear Axle. 10.B.V. On test fitted with production type of Rear Axle, fitted with B.III.No.1 Unit. 11.B.V. On test fitted with 11 x 41 Rear Axle Gears in S/ZNCR. fitted with B.80.No.3 Unit. 12B.V. Fitted with Wraith Ripple No.2 Unit. It is now decided that this car will be used for 15,000 miles tests, fitted with all Ripple features except the existing Bentley Bonnet, Radiator, and .04 thick frame. Specification issued in HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr}/WSC.{W. S. Cassel}1/VS.{J. Vickers}20.6.39. REMARKS. We cannot fit the leading shoe brakes, due to not being able to get end plates for the brake drums from the makers. Deliveries promised this week. Rear Brake Drums to be changed at the first opportunity. In shop being brought up to specification which incorporate 1. 2 1/2" Tension Rear Spring Shackles. 2. FCD.1170 Clutch Actuation. 3. Standard Ratio All Helical Gear Box. 4. 10 x 41 Rear Axle Ratio S/ZN. 5. One shot Amal Bonnet Fasteners. 6. Lighter Bumper Bars. 7. Boden Wire Hand Brake Paul Control. 8. Under Sheets. 9. Double Contact Breaker Distributor. continued. | ||