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).
Notes on future car design discussing the rationalization of R.R. and Bentley models, dimensions and styling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\3\ img185 | |
| Date | 6th June 1939 | |
| By Em. Claren (crossed out) Oy's file 1260 Here are some notes by By on future car design 6.6.39 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} R.R. Cars & Bentley. Rationalization of R.R. and Bentley production is sensible step. The line 8 engine is illogical since it occupies unnecessary car length, but it is excellent in smoothness ( probably better than V.8. or V.12) which justifies it for an expensive car. For cars of this series will one axle, one front suspension, one gearbox be used? New Bentley noses forward more than R.R. and is therefore better for efficient use of wheelbase. It could be much improved by using dimensions such as: Nose to front wheels ( without bumper).......... 26" Front wheels to dash corner...... 18" - 20" Dash corner to rear wheels...... 100" Rear wheel to back of sheet metal........ 34" Total overall.. 200" W.B...120" Wheelbase ratio.. .66 (This is perhaps extreme. Too much of the Toonerville Trolley, but 1940 Detroit practice uses about .6). Bentley outside proportions are very much along lines of 1940 Detroit cars, in fact Detroit is more and more inclined to imitate the Bentley type, but Bentleys internal accommodations are not good. Should have flat clear floor and easy entrance and exit. Gearshift on column. Handbrake on column? This means a shallow frame and steel body construction. Styling. A motor car is a box on four wheels. Height is fixed. Approx. 50" floor to roof, divided 14" to cushion and 36" to roof. To get frontal area down floor should be 13" from ground. This is about minimum to get 8" ground clearance and 5" for bits and pieces and frame. Such a shallow frame is "frameless" in its method of loading the body shell. No "X". Cont'd...... | ||