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).
Desired characteristics of the 3.5 Litre Bentley, balancing noise, comfort, and performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page366 | |
| Date | 27th June 1933 | |
| XV002-✓ Ser. from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Copy to [redacted] Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Worl3/T27.6.33. Re 3½ Litre Bentley. I have read Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}'s memo several times and the more I read it the more I think it is excellent. I think it clearly sets out what we have been attempting to do right from the beginning, except of course, you have all the time said that the car should not be a 100 mile car and it should not be quiet, indeed; you emphasised that it should be on the noisy side. I believe the 3½ Litre Bentley will be generally noisier than our standard production, particularly as we are all intent on getting the Rolls-Royce car quieter; we must get them quieter because other people are now beating us on this point. There should be no particular attention given to make the 3½ Litre as quiet as the Rolls-Royce, and I think the right policy is to make every possible effort to get the Rolls-Royce car distinctly quieter than it is at the moment. This I believe will give you all that you wish. We want the Bentley to be comfortable, and we want it to be speedy. It is a delightful car to ride in, and four people can sit in comfort and enjoy the ride either at high speeds or touring without any discomfort. I think Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} very aptly covered the whole position in his first report when he had been on the Continent with the Bentley. My only criticism is that I would like it to get 90 miles per hour more easily, but at the same time I would not like to sacrifice that wonderful acceleration. I believe that steady progress will come and we shall get that 90 miles per hour easier, but I advise, not at the expense of acceleration. I write this note purposely, because I think everyone should express definitely their opinion, and because I really believe that the 3½ Litre Bentley is going to be the most wonderful car we have ever produced, and that we can go ahead with this production happily. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||