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).
Modifications to the Bentley's radiator and front apron to improve its appearance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page025 | |
| Date | 26th August 1933 | |
| To WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Bentley Appearance. Replying to your memo WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}3/T.25.8.33, we have already taken measures to deal with the points raised in EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/IH.22.8.33. With regard to the question of general appearance of the Bentley, I feel very strongly that we ought to have C, Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} and possibly Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} at any Conference on this subject. Bly.{B. W. Bleaney - Bentley Sales} I understand is one of the most severe critics of the present design, but I should like to suggest that before holding this Conference we make up a modified radiator and front apron, with a view to overcoming what we believe to be the objections on which the present criticism is based. We believe this criticism can be divided into two headings: No.1. The squat appearance of the present radiator. No.2. Its lack of distinction. Dealing with No.1, EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has suggested that we should wash out the present horizontal type of front apron, drop the bottom edge of the radiator face about 4", and bring the dumb iron valance round behind it, very much the same as it has been done on Vauxhall and other cars. Personally I think this is a very good suggestion for taking away the squat appearance. It would be better if we could clear away everything in front of the radiator, but we shall still be compelled to retain the front tubular crossmember, and to carry the number plate from it. On further consideration of this scheme we propose also to leave out the starter shaft and pack this in the tool kit. It will be understood that only the metal lacing and front portion of the front radiator shell are lengthened. There is no alteration to the radiator tank and matrix. We do not think there is much hope of raising the top of the radiator without raising the whole car, and certainly this is impossible without scrapping all the bodies we have built. We shall have finished a rough drawing this morning for quickly converting an existing radiator shell on these lines, with a view to mounting same on a chassis for inspection. We think this modification | ||