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).
Potential weight-saving measures and component changes for a Bentley car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0006 | |
| Date | 14th June 1933 | |
| X259 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} C. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} C. Hdy.{William Hardy} Ey. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}13/XT.14.6.33. WEIGHT OF BENTLEY CAR. We attach a list showing the weights of some of the major parts of the Bentley. Tabulating the parts which there seems to be a prospect of lightening :- (1) Lower Half. We suggest that this should be made in Electron - this would save approx. 7 lbs. Also the induction pipes might be made in this material. We would also suggest making the rocker cover and wheelcase in Electron were it not for our previous experience that it is apt to emphasise noise. (2) Crankshaft. You have already dealt with this. (3) Cylinder Head. When we have finally settled the compression ratios we hope to work with you and the foundry to get the weight of this casting down to the minimum. 72 lbs. seems excessive at present. (4) Steering Box & Column. The new type Peregrine column and box weighs 11 lbs. less than the one at present fitted to the Bentley. The main difficulty is that the existing Bentley box ratio is 12.56/1 and the Peregrine II. box 10/1. We should like Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} to give us a scheme correcting this 25% difference in ratio. (5) Propeller Shaft. We understand that the Hardy Spicer needle bearing shaft will save about 5 lbs. These items coupled with the Peregrine gearbox, and lighter running boards would appear to possibly save a total of one cwt. on the complete car. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||