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).
Bentley 50 experimental car programme and a proposal for a new 'Lagonda Chaser' model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 111\2\ scan0405 | |
| Date | 3rd December 1938 | |
| 800 By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/R.3.12.38. BENTLEY 50 EXPERIMENTAL CARS. In the past, the general rule has been that we made six experimental cars of any particular type. The Rationalised Programme, however, has slightly altered the conditions because so many of the parts are common between the different wheelbases. The first three Bentley 50s have been instructed, and the fourth is going to be a prototype as a result of the 'mock-up'. Presumably both a prototype 4-light and 6-light will be required. We, therefore, shall have to find a chassis on which to mount the 6-light body. We propose to do this by scrapping the body on 1.B.50, which will release this chassis for the 6-light prototype body. In the meantime, however, we should like to instruct another Bentley for which a body could be built without waiting for the mock-up. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has drawn a very desirable looking motor-car, which is shown on PD.323, and which has been called the "Lagonda Chaser", because it gives all the body space anyone could desire on an owner-driver's car, and will, we believe, with the 8-cylinder engine, beat the performance of the 12-cylinder Lagonda. In other words, Lagondas at present have a little market of their own which consists of a roomier Sports car than we can provide, and we should like, at least, to produce an experimental car to show what we can do to beat our competitors. We should like to get Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s agreement at the next Conference to make this car. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||