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).
Response to a memo discussing lead bronze bearings, bumper bar fittings, and Bentley ride-control issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan252 | |
| Date | 9th March 1935 | |
| X4013 Levallois. Srl/Crn.9.3.35. Dear "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}", It was with great pleasure that I read over your memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/KW.6.3.35. As you doubtless know, I have had a bad time of late by having a severe attack of 'flu, coupled with congestion of the lungs. After recovery, I hied me forth to Switzerland for ten days ski-ing, etc., and have now returned feeling very fit. With regard to the lead bronze bearings, we have only fitted them to one chassis, B 179 AE, Mr. F.E-Blanc. Since then the car has only done some 1,000 kms, and every-thing seems to be satisfactory in this direction. We are closely watching our other "batters", and will fit out their cars as and when we can get them in and consider the modification to be necessary. Concerning bumper bars we are hard at it fitting out most of the chassis over here with cross members and bumper bars. There is no doubt that this modification is a great improvement, but I am inclined to think that the present bumper bar is not as efficient as the one which was fitted to the chassis we tested originally. Our demonstration car, fitted with the cross member and bumper bar, has still quite a little wing move-ment - naturally nothing to worry about - but unless my memory is letting me down, the cure on the chassis we originally tested was nearer 100% than the present. Have there been any alterations in the method of mounting the bumper bars, etc. etc. ? In any case this question is really not worth worrying about, as we are all very happy in this direction now. Before I tackle the other points raised in your interesting memo., I should like to say a few words about the ride-control on the Bentley. When I say that it is at present an absolute "frost", I am not exaggerating in any way. Our demonstration car was undriveable and positively dangerous even on maximum as it was when delivered to us. We raised the minimum poundage to 75 all round, but with very little improvement. (ie from 60) ............. | ||