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).
Design improvements for the Bentley B.23-AE Streamline Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\1\ Scan085 | |
| Date | 24th March 1934 | |
| x261 To EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.1/HP.24.3.34. c.c. WG.{Mr Gill - Financial Director} WC. CT. BH. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} re Streamline Saloon - B.23-AE. Bentley. Thank you for your report EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}5/IH.22.3.34; I agree with you that this is a most thrilling vehicle. My view is that we should do nothing to reduce its performance but that it is possible as you suggest to improve it in a number of ways. Dealing with the points in the order in which they are raised:- (1) The front seat undoubtedly requires increasing in width at the elbow line as the handling of the car is spoilt at times by interference with the driver's steering freedom. Do you think we can safely go to the figure you give, 44" from 41" without too much sacrifice. This can be tried in the wind tunnel. (2) I think we should do everything possible to avoid raising the roof, that is to say, if we are raising it on account of driving view above the bonnet then we ought to crop the bonnet rather than reduce the performance. If it is purely a question of more room physically for the driver between the floor and the roof, there is no alternative unless more room can be obtained for the cushions by using a sheet metal floor at this point. (3) Are the width indicators mentioned any good for indicating the outside edge of the car and can these things be seen at night time. It would be more effective if the side lamps could be on the wings, but presumably these will not stand up on unsprung wings. (4) Presumably the rear seat could now have the extra 2" obtained by moving back the battery cross member as you suggest. This is very desirable. | ||