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).
Assessing a competitor's 40 HP Bentley car, evaluating its engine and chassis design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 21\2\ Scan005 | |
| Date | 13th October 1925 | |
| X.3805 To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R1/M13.10.25. RE. BENTLEY CAR. 40 HP. 4" X 5¾" E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} thinks the engine is unpractical - for instance it is extremely difficult to decarbonise, because the cyl. head is not detachable, overhead camshafts, and the big 6 cyl. in block. I think the camshaft oil may get into the cyl. causing trouble. The whole 6-cyl. block has to come off for one valve. We are thankful we have a push rod engine. They will probably beat us on speed performance, as they have 4 valves per cyl. but we cannot believe this is necessary for a luxury car: for extreme performance yes, as also would be a supercharger. It would appear more costly than ours to produce for equal silence. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} thinks the chassis is not good for coachwork, because of lateral and torsional flexibility. We do not think it would teach us anything if we were to buy one, but we realise they are likely to be competitors because their aim is our trade. We have the advantage of better machinery, staff, and plant: they get much of their work done outside, but at the same time we are under heavy expenses. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||