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).
Bentley 50 development, discussing issues with the first car's body, axle modifications, engine testing, and wheelbase comparisons.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\2\ scan0286 | |
| Date | 22th September 1938 | |
| - 6 - BENTLEY 50 5. Body for First Car. The cantilever body brackets for the bottom side have collapsed in a manner anticipated by the Works. Mr.Finney of Park Ward has been informed. A rail is being added to make this workable. A fourth body was discussed, and it was decided it should take the form of a four-light Saloon without division of the prototype design. 6. Semi-floating Axle. This is causing a certain amount of anxiety. Modifications necessary to the original design mean that it will be several weeks before an axle is available. 7. B.60 High Power Head. An engine will be on test week ending September 24th. In response to the question as to what this engine was for the answer given was - "for the whole range of Bentley chassis". GENERAL 1. Wheelbase of B.50 and Replacement Wraith Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} raised the question of the difference in wheelbase between B.50 and Replacement Wraith, and put in a strong claim for consideration that these two chassis should be of the same wheelbase. He was asked to place on record the advantages of his proposal, and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} will have these checked up by the factory. Whilst this would have certain advantages from the body point of view inasmuch as the Replacement Wraith body would go on B.50 and vice versa, it was considered not altogether satisfactory that these two should appear to be the same when it is hoped to sell B.50 for £950. complete whereas the Wraith may be offered at a figure which is about £600. greater. At the same time it was also mentioned that if such an arrangement were brought about it may make it possible to sell the Wraith at a much lower figure. | ||