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).
Minute discussing the progress and issues related to the 3½-Litre Bentley chassis production and design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\2\ Scan219 | |
| Date | 4th May 1933 | |
| CHASSIS. MINUTE 4. (CONT'D). 3½-LITRE BENTLEY. (Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} states:-) "We are arranging to get reports from EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}, Hx. and others on the general performance of No.1. car because, although this is out of date in a number of details the performance and general arrangement of the car is similar to that which we propose to produce." SGD/E.20.4.33. instructed that we should go ahead with the machining of 100 sets of material in respect of all parts which are not likely to be affected by modifications, etc. Schedule had to be arrived at showing what material could be released. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}1/C.2.5.33. clearly set out the position - (a) for machining and building the first 15 chassis; 96 sections have been completely cleared. (b) for machining and building 100 chassis; 88 sections have been completely cleared and instructed. (c) for the outstanding material for remaining 85 chassis; 84 sections have been instructed. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} also gives details of sections outstanding held up for decision of Exp. Dept. under the 3 headings above. Re Hy{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}'s memo above K.{Mr Kilner} states:- "We are in agreement with memo. As regards question of design, the only section we have never yet issued on the 3½ litre Bentley is the undersheet. These have given us some trouble but they are now completed and are being issued this afternoon. Sections which have been issued, but are now held up awaiting modifications to design are, water connections and wire fittings." E/JRR.2/HP.4.5.33. released complete design of engine and gearbox undersheets. Hy{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer}7/C.3.5.33. refers to 100 sets of material, and with regard to road wheels and hubs which are held up states "we have written to both Dunlop and Rudge Whitworth asking them to give us the time that they would require to produce a further 12 sets (15 in all) in order to deal with the first batch of 12 chassis, plus the 3 experimental. | ||