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).
Steering modifications on Mr. Gowen's Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 106\5\ scan0202 | |
| Date | 19th November 1936 | |
| S/W Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}..from C. C4/C19.11.36 Re STEERING ON THE BENTLEY (GOWEN) Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/R17.11.36. I note that you will be sending a special short pendulum lever to LH.{Mr Haworth} which will have the effect of reducing the steering ratio by 5%. I think possibly this will be all that Mr.Gowen will require, because he is not so keen as all that on American steering - in fact you will notice he gets his American friends to try his Rolls-Royce as being a finer example of steering than they have on their American cars. I do not think at this stage it is necessary to make any special alteration, unless there is something you are recommending, as I look upon Mr.Gowen as rather special in this respect. We do not generally have complaints of stiff steering on the Bentley. I think the whole thing really is that Mr.Gowen uses his car as he does his Rolls-Royce and not as the ordinary Bentley owner uses his car. I note that you would like Hancock also to carry out an examination and make certain adjustments to Mr.Gowen's car, and no doubt you will give him the necessary instructions. I have already written Mr.Gowen suggesting he should send the car to you at Derby; I will however, write and ask him to send it to Lillie Hall as soon as I hear that they have received the new pendulum lever. C. | ||