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).
Alternative independent suspension programmes for Bentley vehicles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\1\ scan0228 | |
| Date | 29th May 1936 | |
| FILES. X110k 29th May, 1936. Bentley Independent Suspensions. The following appear to be the possible alternative programmes for introducing independent suspension on the Bentley. (1) Scale down WRAITH II. (2) A simplified American System (such as the Packard). (3) A torsion bar system. It was decided that we should use Phantom III suspension for Wraith II at a time when it was known (1) that 25 HP. chassis manufacturing cost was far too high. (2) that Phantom III front suspension cost was far in excess of Phantom II front axle. This decision being necessary in order to save time required for developing a simpler suspension system. Besides adversely criticising Phantom III system for the cost of manufacture the increased weight renders this system quite impossible for a car where performance is imperative. The attached figures show that the increase in weight of Wraith II front suspension system over that of the 25 HP. will be approx. 91 lbs. The Packard system is only 2½ lbs. heavier than our 25 HP. We also estimate that a torsion bar system for Wraith could be designed to be 11 lbs. lighter than the 25 HP. front axle system. For present designs of Bentley having independent suspension, we should advise a system similar to the Packard with an exposed spring. This system has the enormous advantage that we know good results van be obtained. | ||