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).
Four possible positions for the gear lever on the Bentley III to improve driver access.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 99\4\ scan0132 | |
| Date | 7th January 1937 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Handwritten: 2006 Handwritten: 428 GEARBOX - BENTLEY III. One object we hope to achieve on Bentley III is an easier entrance to the driving seat. On the present car this is quite a feat using the off side door. The gear lever is the cause of the trouble. There are four possible positions for the gear lever with their attendant disadvantages; these are:- (1) R.H. where it is now in the middle of the space for entering the car, but in the most comfortable position for changing gear. (2) The P.II position giving easy entrance, but having the lever uncomfortably far back for gear changing. (3) The lever forward of the door line and hence unpleasant for gear changing. (4) A central change in the best position for changing gear. On Bentley III there is going to be a tunnel in the front compartment. In any case 3 people cannot sit in the front of a Bentley. We therefore think that possibility No.4 of a central change deserves serious consideration. We think it preferable to the P.III position where the driver sits on the gear lever. Perhaps this could be discussed at the next Chassis Conference. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||