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).
Meeting minutes discussing weight reduction for 'C'/'D' series, Wraith production issues, and a Bentley V 50,000-mile test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\3\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 27th April 1939 | |
| WRAITH: 3 (Cont). it was realised that the same results could be attained by reducing the weight of the body. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} emphasised that it is the weight of the car that matters and not only the weight of the body. Reduction in chassis weight was equally important. As it was not possible to introduce these mods. if agreed to, on 'C' series, it was questioned whether they would be desirable at all in view of the possibility that 'D' series might differ from 'C' series. However, the matter was to be kept on the Agenda for consideration in connection with 'D' series if that series follows on with similar chassis to those in 'C' series. This matter, therefore, will be discussed at the next chassis meeting. In the meantime it was agreed that Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} should make another Silver Wraith six cylinder chassis as there was only one in existence at the moment. 4. Wraith Production: LA{L. A. Archer}'s report Ref. LA.{L. A. Archer}2/T.24.4.39 was read. The trouble with the petrol gauges gumming up has been cured by increasing the clearance on the bushes which it is hoped will prevent the gumming up of these bushes which was the cause of the trouble. BENTLEY V.{VIENNA} 1. 50,000 mile test: Reports from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} and Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} were gone through. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} enquired when it would be possible to try a B.V similar to what is being produced. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} pointed out that the Continental B.V has similar pieces and that tests will reveal how successful they have been with the cure for the exhaust valve trouble. Furthermore, one chassis was being prepared for Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} which would be similar to those proposed for production. The cracked valve seats are attributed to the same cause as that giving rise to the exhaust valve failure. The head is the same as used on the Wraith and on the Wraith it is O.K. | ||