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).
Meeting notes discussing Bentley stub axles, a big bore engine, and Van Vooren coachwork.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\1\ Scan203 | |
| Date | 7th August 1935 | |
| -4- Gxl/KMP.7.8.35. 10TH AUG all depots 35k BENTLEY (contd) Broken stub axle This matter was discussed from the point of view of the Depot Sheet that had been circulated, which Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} considered was not strong enough and decided that it should be treated on the basis of changing all stub axles by Depots, and that the early cars should be dealt with first, if possible. Big Bore Engine This matter was discussed at some length. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} pointed out that the 3 1/2 litre Bentley performance was down by reason of increased weight both of chassis and body. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} stressed the importance of better performance with Bentley giving a road speed of 100 m.p.h. A big bore engine prepared by Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} was to be submitted to 100-hours bench test with the hope that it could be introduced early on production to improve performance, and S. would collaborate with a view if possible to avoiding necessity of a complete new design. BY was instructed to hold up as necessary work on present production, which would facilitate the early introduction of the big bore engine if found in every way suitable. The increase in Bentley coachwork weight was discussed, and attention was drawn to the very satisfactory behaviour of the Paris Trials Car with coachwork by Van Vooren. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} expressed his great surprise at the very satisfactory condition of this Van Vooren body after 12,000 miles on French roads. He found no fault with it whatever. It is a pillarless Saloon and built on the Silentbloc principle, and appears to be eminently suitable for mounting on chassis having a certain degree of flexibility, such as the Bentley. It was therefore agreed that Sr. should let us know in London how soon Van Vooren could provide a duplicate body for an experimental chassis, which we could let them have on which to mount it. Meantime S. would try and arrange for Mr. Ward of Park Ward to go to France, be met by the Van Vooren bodied Bentley at Boulogne and drive on it to Paris, observe its behaviour and perhaps pay a visit to the Van Vooren works and learn what he could of this principle of body building. S-E-IV It was mentioned that the road springs on this car were to be anchored at the front end. | ||