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).
Development and inspection of an all-steel body for Bentley vehicles at Park Ward's.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\1\ scan0373 | |
| Date | 15th May 1935 | |
| CONFIDENTIAL +204 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.1/HP.15.5.35. c. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} E/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} [Signature: R... F.{Mr Friese} Dodd] Bentley All Steel Bodywork. Yesterday I went down to Park Ward's, taking EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} with me, to inspect the framework of the all steel body which Mr Ward is making, before the attachment of the panelling. I had previously seen various members of the framework before assembly. Personally I consider this all steel body development extremely important, particularly in the case of the Bentley, which, being a high speed sporting vehicle must have high rating springs, and these will naturally rack the body more than the low rating springing used on our two R.R. chassis, in addition to the effect of maintaining high average speeds. This development also is peculiarly applicable in the case of the Bentley coachwork, where restrictions on variations in the body design are severely drawn by the requirements of the chassis. Mr Ward seems confident that he could produce these all steel bodies in batches of 25 for the same price as the present conventional body. The experimental assembled body frame is actually lighter than a normal wooden frame by about 28 lbs at the moment, but as it is a very early stage in the development this weight comparison should not be taken too seriously. Mr Ward is, however, keeping careful weight records as he goes along. The panelling will certainly be heavier in steel than the normal aluminium panelling, even in the lighter gauge that will be employed. It is anticipated that some portions of the framework can be made in lighter gauge than used on the initial frame, but at the same time we have suggested certain modifications to Mr Ward in connection with cross bracing the structure, which will add a little weight. The modifications Mr | ||