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).
Analysis of the weight increases in the standard Bentley Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\1\ scan0353 | |
| Date | 16th January 1935 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} <204 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}18/KW.16.1.35. BENTLEY WEIGHTS. We have analysed the standard Bentley Saloon as being sold to-day compared with the original Bentley sold to the public in January 1934. The net result of the analysis shows that the chassis weight has increased by 18 lbs. 3 ozs. whereas the coachwork and accessories have increased by 147 lbs., .07% and 15.5% respectively. We give figures to show that we have taken an average of 5 bodies of the original type and of the later strengthened type. Included in the increase of the accessories is a figure of 7 lbs. due to changing over to the P.100 Head Lamps. We attach a further list showing the chassis items which we have on test and which we anticipate are likely to be standardised during the next twelve months. It will be seen that we are holding our own reasonably well on the chassis. We do think, however, that there are still a number of parts where we can get weight off without sacrifice of efficiency. We are working on these sections. We have no figures at all indicating how the 147 lbs. increase in the body weight is to be accounted for. We think that such figures should be available. At present on the chassis small savings in weight are repeatedly being made by using expensive material, and these may be negatived by the use of lower grade materials in the coachwork which effect but a small economy in price. The figures indicate what a struggle is necessary to save ten pounds and it is for this reason that we are endeavouring to think in percentage saved in the weight of any particular part. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||