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).
Steady increase in Bentley body weights over the years 1935-1938.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0269 | |
| Date | 28th September 1938 | |
| By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} c. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD{Frank Dodd - Bodies}4/R.28.9.38. BENTLEY BODY WEIGHTS. With the new B.III series in mind we have checked over the body weights on Bentley II for the past 4 years. Attached is a chart showing the complete car weights, and also the body weights, lamps and tools are included with the chassis. By body weight, we mean the shell, all trimming, wings, running boards, etc., accessories like wireless, heaters, etc. are not included. The average of 40 cars was taken in each case. It will be seen at once that the body weights on B.II. have steadily increased each year, actually the percentage increase based on the 1934 series is as follows:- 1935 - 14.5% 1936 - 28.5% 1937 - 28.5% 1938 - 30%. This steady increase in weight is most disconcerting, and in view of the weight variation already shown between the first two bodies of B.III series, 7.B.5 and 8.B.5, i.e. 8 cwts.3 qrs.19 lbs. and 10 cwts. 1 qr. 0 lbs. respectively, we are very anxious that the weight question should be considered of premier importance. From past experience we have already found that production body weights are anything up to a cwt. heavier than Exptl. so that a start of 10 cwts. 1 qr. 0 lbs. for an Exptl. body is a hopeless proposition. It is hard to realise why we cannot have a body complete, that will stand up to the job for 9 cwts. Lp{Mr Lappin}'s late Bentley B.117.JY was a good example of what could be produced at this figure. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} | ||