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).
Letter to Park Ward & Co. Ltd. discussing weight savings and production implications for the Bentley 12.B.5 body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 98\5\ scan0215 | |
| Date | 11th July 1939 | |
| c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/JD.{J. Draper - Frames} 400/ CONFIDENTIAL. 11th. July 1939. BY.2/N. Messrs. Park Ward & Co.Ltd., 473, High Road, Willesden London N.W.10. Dear Sirs, Re: Body of Bentley 12.B.5. Attached herewith is the weight analysis of the above car, and also a copy of a memo giving the Experimental Department's remarks. R/FD{Frank Dodd - Bodies}/TH.22.6 39. The corresponding complete coachwork weight of 9.B.5. which represents the first production bodies, is 9 cwts. 1 qr. 26 lbs. therefore on 12.B.5. the lightened construction has resulted in a saving in weight of 1 1/2 cwts, or 168 lbs. Firstly we would like to know whether this amount agrees with your figures, as we seem to remember your suggesting a saving of 70 lbs as the result of your weighing of individual parts. Secondly, we would be glad if you would tell us under the following headings, what it would mean to introduce these lighter pieces on the second order for standardised bodies. (1) Material cost, due to use of aluminium in the place of steel in some places. (2) Die modifications, or even new dies, should they be required. It should be assumed for this comparison that the shape of the present agreed standard body will be maintained. The question of going to the square corner design which you are already going into is a separate issue. | ||