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).
Comparative weights analysis of the Bentley 4 1/4-Litre and the S.S. 3 1/2-Litre, detailing the body, frame, and suspension components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0262 | |
| Date | 30th August 1938 | |
| 258also 1070, 1115 COMPARATIVE WEIGHTS BENTLEY 4 1/4-LITRE AND S.S. 3 1/2-LITRE. Body (with rear wings), and less front floor boards. S.S. 896 lbs. 4 ozs. Bentley. 913 lbs. Both these bodies are of all steel construction, the one on the S.S. however has what corresponds to the dash-board on the Bentley, built into the body. The internal capacity of both bodies is about the same, it seems therefore that the saving in weight on the S.S. body has been effected by mounting the body direct onto the chassis, whereas on the Bentley a box section bottom side is used, with body mounting brackets and silentbloc bushes on the frame. Frame. S.S. 334 lbs. 2 ozs. Bentley. 247 lbs. 12 1/2 ozs. The great increase in weight on the S.S. frame can be accounted for by the fact that it is of heavy box section throughout. This weight of 334 lbs. 2 ozs. includes what body brackets, petrol tank brackets and wing stays there are. The Bentley frame complete with cross-members weighs only 192 lbs. 5 1/2 ozs., 52 lbs. 7 ozs. being the weight of wing stays, step irons, head-lamp brackets etc. Neither of the frames has a X bracing. The Bentley has channel section side members. Front End Suspension (and cross steering tube). S.S. 139 lbs. 7 3/4 ozs. (less hubs.) Bentley. 155 lbs. 1 1/2 ozs. (with hubs.) The weight of the Bentley hubs are 15 lbs. 8 ozs. the pair, therefore the two cars weigh virtually the same on the front axle and spring section. | ||