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).
Proposal to revert to a standard low geared axle for open Bentley models to prioritise acceleration over maximum speed.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\4\ scan0046 | |
Date | 31th December 1934 | |
COPY. S/W - Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} You will no doubt remember that by reason of the light weight of the open 4-seater body on Bentley chassis we standardised the high geared axle on that model. I understand it is considered that the open car is not as fast as the closed cars of the Saloon or Coupe type because of the absence of line which helped the air flow and that there is more resistance and possible eddies on an open body which causes it not to be quite so fast. This fact coupled with the performance of the present Bentley rather leads us to believe that the open car might be better with the standard low axle, seeing that we value acceleration rather more than maximum speed. Also, I believe it is an accepted fact that we should not lose much maximum speed by having the lower geared axle under the conditions which apply. We should like, therefore, if you agree, to revert to the standard low axle for open Bentleys, which means we should have the one axle ratio for all models. Will you kindly let me know your views on this in due course. I mentioned it to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and he is in agreement with this proposal. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} | ||