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).
Outlining urgent design priorities for engines, gearboxes, and body specifications for various models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\4\ scan0084 | |
| Date | 11th August 1939 | |
| 1125 By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}6/R.11.8.39. DESIGN URGENCY. We believe that the two outstanding urgent items at present are:- (1) The detailing of the 3.5-litre 6-cyl. high-power engine. (2) The Rationalised Gearbox strengthened up for the 8-cylinder engine. When the 3.5-litre 6-cyl. is detailed it should incorporate the new cylinder head, particulars of which will be supplied by Swindall. We shall shortly be issuing a report on it. On the completion of the 3.5-litre 6-cyl. we should like the Detailing Dept. to look over the design of the aluminium 3.5-bore 8-cyl. engine to see if we can use the same pattern for making a 3.5 bore cast iron engine. If any major modifications are required we should like to put them on one side in favour of the 2.8 4-cylinder engine which Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} is just finishing. We should like the 'Ripplet' specification to be completed by By/NS{Norman Scott} as quickly as possible. We shall be surprised if this car with a slightly smaller body comes out at much more than 31 cwts., this is what we require to put some 'phiz' back into the Bentley. We are very doubtful whether it is worth making the 'Silver Dawn' at all. It seems ridiculous to reduce the wheelbase 3" on a car on which performance is not a primary consideration. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} is lining up two bodies of the 'Silver Dawn' and the 'Silver Phantom'. We think that instead of the 'Silver Dawn' we should instruct a left-handed 'Silver Wraith' chassis. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||