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).
Secret memo outlining a provisional specification for the Continental B.V. model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\3\ scan0006 | |
| Date | 25th November 1938 | |
| SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/R.25.11.38. CONTINENTAL B.V. It has been suggested that in addition to being fitted with lightened units, the Continental Bentley should be used to try out in a limited number of customers hands rationalised programme parts that it is hoped to get on to production later. This seems to be a very sound scheme, as any defect exposed (and customers always succeed in producing some peculiar combination of circumstances which create trouble) can be rectified with the minimum amount of expense owing to the small number of cars involved. With this object in view, we have produced the following provisional specification for B.V. We have only mentioned the main items:- (1) Paulin front. (2) Pressure cooled radiator. (3) Hydraulic front brakes with simplified servo. (4) B.50 cast iron engine. (5) Light gauge frame. (6) Light alloy drums. (7) Semi-floating axle. (8) Pressed steel wheels, light rims. (9) Magnesium castings. (10) Lightened suspension levers. (11) 9" Clutch and special flywheel. (12) Mechanical petrol pump. Even if a part were successful, it would not necessarily mean that it would be standardised, but it would be available if the cost, etc. was considered reasonable for the result achieved. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||