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).
Report on the 20.HP Alvis Speed Model and design considerations for the Bensport chassis, including steering and engine mounting.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page047 | |
| Date | 6th June 1932 | |
| Y4553. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.1/HP.6.6.32. re 20.HP. Alvis Speed Model. Referring to your memo Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}13/E.2.6.32, I am passing the report on the above car to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and I note the car tried was fitted with an open four seater body. If, as we anticipate the Bensport will be called upon in many instances to carry a sporting saloon it would be interesting to try competitive cars which are fitted with similar coachwork. Regarding the question of Jellying and steering, the smaller the car the less trouble we should anticipate from these two features. It should also be greatly influenced by the engine mounting. It has been thought by H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} as the Bensport is a sporting chassis we might use 4 solid feet on the chassis, and accept a certain amount of noise and vibration for the advantages offered with respect to reducing Jellying and improving the steering. Whether we could get away with such a scheme remains to be seen. At the moment the method of mounting the engine is not finally decided as regards what is to be instructed for the first chassis. Referring again to the steering, we notice in the case of the Alvis the springing of the chassis is reported to be terribly hard at low speeds. This indicates the use of very stiff | ||