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).
Standard axle ratio for different Bentley body types, particularly open versus closed bodies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0298 | |
| Date | 6th December 1933 | |
| S /W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. " E.C. c. " Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Bs.{A J. Barnes - Assistant Manager} c. " Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} Vr.{E. S. Voller - Orders} C. to Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales}Whr.{Mr Wheeler} re- Bentley Axle Ratio. In reply to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}12/MJ29.11.33, we agree to all chassis intended to be fitted with an open body having the higher axle ratio as standard. Will you please confirm to us the ratio of the axle it is intended to fit to the open cars as compared with the standard of 4.1 to 1 for all chassis having closed bodies. With regard to your reference to Continental cars, we cannot take the view that there is such a thing as a Continental Bentley. We regard all Bentleys as suitable for the Continent, but in view of the extra weight of closed bodies and the possibility of a greater number of passengers being usually carried in a closed car than in an open car,we are of the opinion that all chassis having closed bodies should have the standard axle ratio of 4.1 to 1. This note, therefore, is to confirm our wishes in these respects for all Bentley production until further notice. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Lueb. | ||