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).
The effects of wind resistance on the acceleration of a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161\1\ scan0060 | |
| Date | 1st December 1937 | |
| 1380 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}.. from DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Sr. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/N.1.12.37. EFFECT OF WIND RESISTANCE ON ACCELERATION BENTLEY. ----------------- As you requested we have investigated the effects of wind resistance on the acceleration of the Bentley at ordinary road speeds. The appendix gives the whole of the investigation, but below we give our general conclusions. (1) The Vanvooren Aerodynamic shews an increase in acceleration over the standard saloon of 11% at 40 MPH. which is equivalent to a weight reduction of 3.63 cwts. These figures are doubled at 50 MPH. and trebled at 60 MPH. (2) Reduced windage, even to a much less degree than the Vanvooren would enable us to produce an engine having a power curve peaking lower and earlier. This would give better acceleration at low speeds and still not spoil the car at high. The engine would be cheaper to perfect and maintain. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||