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).
Introduction of the Marles type steering column for the Bentley M.2 series.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 87\5\ scan0248 | |
| Date | 3rd December 1937 | |
| F.T. HARDY 250 To Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} (text has strikethrough) c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Rn.{Mr Robinson} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/N.3.12.37. Re Bentley Steering Columns. M.2. Series. Z/A (handwritten) You will recall that we told you during the last visit which you made to Derby that with M.2. series Bentley we shall introduce the Marles type Steering Column, and that we proposed deleting the 1.000 of up or down adjustment because the characteristic high spot in the gear may not have sufficient range. At the moment we have fixed the column in the normal position, but you will recollect that Mr Ward told us he most frequently raises the column to the top position on standard Saloons in order to get a thicker cushion. You suggested then that we should fix the column at a position .750" at the bottom of the wheel above normal, and only allow a small work's adjustment, and we would be glad if you would confirm this proposal. The only car we feel may be in difficulty is the Vanden Plas Open Tourer. Really, the adjustment should not be used by the customer as the visibility of the speedometer and tachometer is dependent on a fixed and predetermined steering wheel orientation for the straight ahead position. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||