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).
Meeting notes concerning the appearance of the Bentley 3.5 Litre, focusing on bonnet length and headlamps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page010 | |
| Date | 22th August 1931 | |
| X4553 ✓ To Mr...from Mr... Copy to Mr... Ms S-C Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} Be Bly{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} Rel/IM.22.8.31. re:- Appearance of Bentley-3½ Litre. At a meeting at Messrs. Park Ward's Works various matters concerning the appearance of the Bentley were considered. There were present: C En Bs{A J. Barnes - Assistant Manager} and Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} (1) BONNET LENGTH. We were able to see 2 cars, one with the standard length of bonnet and one with the bonnet 1½" shorter than standard. Both cars were fitted with a body to suit. It was agreed that the shorter bonnet and longer scuttle gave a distinctly enhanced appearance. The coupé for the Showrooms will be finished off with this shortened bonnet. It was agreed that we would like to standardise this shortened bonnet. We should be glad if Derby would see whether it is possible, without causing expense, to bring through production chassis with this shortened bonnet. The slope of the back end of the bonnet would remain as at present and the louvres would be extended back to their present position. In order to come to a decision quickly we will be glad to have your remarks. In the meantime, we are ascertaining from Messrs. Park Ward what will be the cost of altering their scuttle jigs and the cost of the material which will be scrapped. (2) HEAD LAMPS. The special head lamps supplied to us by Derby were fitted up on the chassis. The lamps were approved, but it was agreed that we should not require the grill in front of the glass. The lamps were considered to be too high, and whilst we were there, the lamp bracket was shortened by one inch, when it was considered that the appearance of the radiator above the lamp was improved. We are proposing to alter up at Messrs. Park Ward's the lamp brackets of this particular car, but we should be pleased if Derby would tell us whether it would be possible to standardise this lower position of the head lamp for production, and also, whether it would be possible to modify the lamp brackets of the other existing cars by either unbrazing and shortening the tubes, or by supplying some shorter brackets complete. | ||