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).
Progress report on Bentley development, covering valves, gears, axles, engines, bodywork, and future policy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\1\ Scan220 | |
| Date | 12th August 1938 | |
| - 5 - BENTLEY Stellited Valves W are now sending some of these to Paris to go on the Paris Trials Car, as English cars are not able to provide the necessary mileage or the strenuous running to prove of value. Textolite Gears The reduced number were going through. There was not a great deal of enthusiasm for these yet. They are used on SpectreCodename for Phantom III. Broken Stub Axle Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} reports this matter is proceeding well. Big Bore Engine A chassis with one of these engines will be ready to go to France at the end of September without waiting for B-8-IV. Van Vooren Body This was considered in conjunction with the Park Ward all-steel body, and it was believed that we shall not take very much interest in the Van Vooren method of construction. We anticipate that the all-steel, or steel and aluminium, will take its place for general Bentley coachwork. This matter is in abeyance until Bm has had an opportunity of a further discussion with Mr.Ward, when no doubt he will report further. B-8-IV At this point Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} raised the question of a future programme and policy in connection with the Bentley car. It was firstly agreed that the big bore should be pressed forward as quickly as possible, but it was yet to be decided whether chassis built on flexible or rigid lines would finally take precedence. The latter was considered to be the probable outcome, with a metal body. A cross braced frame was discussed, and Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} put forward a recommendation for additional stiffness in the chassis but with the present engine unit and gearbox. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} requested that Experimental and Design | ||