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).
Weight saving efforts and modifications on the Bentley Chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\3\ scan0167 | |
| Date | 2nd April 1935 | |
| To BG. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to K.{Mr Kilner} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to En. Weight of the Bentley Chassis. On 5-D-lV we made a determined effort to get as many experimentally lightened pieces as possible on the car. Attached is a list which we made out some little time ago in which we estimated what weight it was possible to save on the Bentley by co-operation between design and development. We include a list of the parts actually fitted to the car, together with the amount they are heavier or lighter than the existing parts. It will be seen that a total reduction in weight of 136 lbs. has been made, the major items being weight saving in road springs, Magnesium parts, exhaust system, petrol system and steering. This weight saving has been somewhat offset by 72 lbs. weight which has been added by various parts to the Chassis. The major items here are noise insulation scheme and 14" brake drums. Taking the list dated 1.2.35. item by item - (1) Brake Linkage, Servo, etc. Instead of saving weight on the brake system, which as we have previously pointed out is disproportionately heavy already, we have added 21 lbs. thereto. (2) Road Springs. We have saved 33 lbs. on the road springs, which is considerably better than we anticipated. (3) Exhaust System. This is 14 lbs. lighter than standard. It is possible we shall be able to reduce the weight still further. The parts fitted are experimental. | ||