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).
Weight analysis and comparison of the B.III car against competitors and other models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 100\3\ scan0038 | |
| Date | 19th March 1938 | |
| 458. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Ey. c. RmC. c. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} WEIGHT OF B.III CAR. Though we have not yet got a complete weight analysis of B.III, we have the weight of the chassis and of the body and of the accessories, a summary of which is attached. Briefly, B.III with aluminium wings and no running boards is slightly lighter than the present standard 4 1/4-litre saloon with steel wings and running boards. When we include the sort of equipment which the average Bentley owner may call for and which we have fitted to this car, the weight is almost 34 cwts. The car is equipped with light alloy drums and shoes, and if these are replaced by cast iron, the weight will be increased by 38 lbs, approx. The latest Morris 25 H.P. Family Saloon, tested in "The Motor" weighs ................ 33 cwts 1 qr. The 12-cylinder 4 1/4-litre Lincoln Zephyr tested in "The Motor" weighs .................. 32 cwts. The 3 1/2-litre Jaguar weighs .... 32 1/2 cwts. We have never yet known a first experimental chassis which was not considerably lighter than the first production chassis of the same type. The small gearbox will save a few pounds, and there are one or two other items where we can economise. It is clear, however, that this car is likely to be heavier rather than lighter than the one we are selling to-day. It is obvious that if we are to provide 4-speed boxes, larger batteries, more durable exhaust systems, servo-operated brakes with better drums, larger tanks, etc., we shall be, relatively speaking, heavier than our competitors, unless we make use of light alloys where practicable. For this reason we are not in favour of abandoning light alloy drums without a struggle. | ||