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).
Coachwork reports for two Bentley cars after extensive mileage in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\4\ scan0046 | |
| Date | 6th November 1935 | |
| Attached to - Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5/EJ.6.11.35. Coachwork Report of 5-B-1V Bentley after 15,000 Miles in France. June 1935. The body has deteriorated more than any previous bodies we have run in France. Early in the mileage, cracks appeared over the centre pillars of the doors. There was a loose joint on the N.S. over the rear door. The joints of the scuttle started to open out, and cracks started at the corners of the Sun-shine roof. These crept until they had reached the edge, and under the doors. The roof dropped until the O.S. front door was chattering at the top. A crack appeared in the panel over the O.S. rear wheel arch. Upon dismantling the rear wheels, it was found that the steel arches had cracked, and broken round the supporting bracket at the rear. On the O.S. the fracture was to such an extent that the support of the Body was non-existent, and it had dropped upon the rear cross member. The same applied to the N.S. but the bracket for the exhaust, held that side up to a certain extent. The doors have rattled, the ventilating windows soon became slack, and rattled. Water pours through the opening in wet weather. The inside handle of the N.S. front door ceased to function. One good feature was the roof. It was rain proof during the excessive bad storms. The rear wings have not given any trouble working loose. The front wings as reported, are cracked and are in a bad condition. The wind-screen wiper failed owing to a screw working loose in the cam mechanism. This necessitates taking down the pannelling under the wind-screen. We have had few cars over here but what this has occurred. The front wing stay bolts have become loose. Weight of Car 1 Ton. 13 Cwt. 3 Qrs. 14 lbs. Coachwork Report of B.56.BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} after 10,000 Miles in France. Oct. 1935. The Body work is in a good condition. There is no sign of cracks in the scuttle, wings or body roof. The doors are | ||