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).
Cost and development of experimental Bentley wheels with aluminium alloy rims.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\7\ scan0177 | |
| Date | 20th March 1935 | |
| [Handwritten]: 442) To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from ROY. {Sir Henry Royce} [Strikethrough]c. to E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} [/Strikethrough] [Strikethrough]c. to BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} [/Strikethrough] ----------------- ROY {Sir Henry Royce} 13/MG20.3.35 ----------------- Arising out of our various discussions re a set of experimental Bentley Wheels with R.R.Aluminium Alloy Rims, you will be pleased to hear that experimental work carried out by Rudge-Whitworth Limited and High Duty Alloys Ltd has now proceeded sufficiently far for the former to state they can make up a set for test, which will cost us: £5. 0. 0d per Wheel plus certain Tool Charges, i.e. £10. 0. 0d . . Extrusion Tools £10. 0. 0d . . Circling Tool 5. 0. 0d . . (Blanking Tools for the Cover Plate Please confirm if you think we should be wise in proceeding accordingly; and the size, presumably our standard Bentley. You will recollect it was estimated the use of such rims in place of our present standard steel would save at least [Strikethrough]£5. to £6.[/Strikethrough] [Handwritten: 5s to 6s] per wheel. I understand from the Rudge-Whitworth Company that another Motor Manufacturer has already given an order for a considerable number of such Wheels with Aluminium Alloy Rims, but of a size other than the Bentley. The matter has been somewhat delayed due to the unfortunate illness of Mr. Hack of the Rudge-Whitworth Company. ROY. {Sir Henry Royce} | ||