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).
Need for precise weight specifications for the 3-B-IV chassis and body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0225 | |
| Date | 25th November 1936 | |
| S/W. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. " E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. " Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. " Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. " Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} 3-B-IV. Reference Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}9/R24.11.36, the information you give us is of considerable interest. We have, I understand, already asked you for the differences in the chassis in memo Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}4/KW19.11.36, but we have not yet received this information from you. It is important that we should know what is the exact difference between the weight of 3-B-IV chassis and a standard production chassis. We have come to the conclusion, however, that to quote the weight of a chassis or a body or complete car in terms of cwts. qrs and lbs is in itself of little or no value unless we know the exact specification which makes up those individual total weights. This is exemplified by the fact that at the last Chassis Conference at W. you stated that the weight of 3-B-IV was over 35 cwts, whereas Park Ward have said that the weight of this car is 33 cwts. 3 qrs 7 lbs. We maintain that unless we know exactly what your weights include the details they are not of any material value to us and that without the details they are only a rough guide. Park Ward admit to an increase in weight of 97 lbs in the body of 3-B-IV, details of which you already have. Knowing the body to be different in dimensions from a standard Saloon and that the chassis of this car is equipped with a wider dashboard, also that the luggage accommodation is increased, it seems clear that the car must inevitably weigh more than a standard steel Bentley Saloon. As you know, even a tank full of petrol as compared with a tank which is empty makes a difference of appreciably over 1 cwt. As Park Ward take the weight of 3-B-IV with only 4 gallons in the tank it would be interesting | ||