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 the limitations and considerations of fitting larger coachwork onto a 3.5-litre Bentley chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0080 | |
| Date | 30th July 1934 | |
| X7961 Exptl. Dept. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/KW. 30th July, 1934. H.A.P. Rowland, Esq., Parkgate, Wirral. Dear Rowland, It is not possible to get a very much larger body on the Bentley chassis than the ordinary standard Saloon. The most commodious coachwork that I have seen on a Bentley chassis is that fitted by Mr. Nichols of S. Smith & Sons, the Accessory people. I believe it was a Thrupp & Maberley job, so that you could get drawings from them. The real point is that the Bentley is only a 3½ litre engine and a large Saloon body would ruin its performance. With regard to luggage space, this is restricted but there have been several quite good saloons carried out by the various coachbuilders which enable the usual suitcases to be carried inside and also some luggage to be carried outside. This is mainly effected by carrying the spare wheel at the side. With regard to the driving position, the column rake is adjustable and I think there should be no difficulty in getting a comfortable driving position provided the rear passengers do not expect too much room. | ||