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).
Detailed survey of the 4¼-litre Bentley Mark V chassis from 'The Autocar' magazine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0285 | |
| Date | 31th January 1941 | |
| The Autocar, January 31st, 1941 97 was Difficult 4¼-litre Bentley Represents a Real Advance in Detailed Survey of an Outstanding Chassis nated, of independent front-wheel suspension. Therein it comes into line with the progression of thought that, perhaps slowly but none the less surely, is leading the more advanced automobile designers to the view that by such a system alone are the full possibilities of riding stability allied with maximum passenger comfort to be obtained, especially in the case of an inherently fast type of car. It is evident from both extensive experience on the road and close-up examination of the Mark V chassis subsequently that the consideration uppermost in the minds of those concerned technically with its evolution has been that of added refinement—increased smoothness and quietness of running, improved flexibility of the power unit. As anyone even superficially acquainted with the qualities of the existing model is aware, any marked degree of advance would be difficult to superimpose upon a car already so meritorious in these respects in the opinions of the most hardened and experienced motorists. Yet there can be no question but that real advance has been made along these particular lines. At the same time, a still more practical aspect of the car's layout has received attention, and the chassis enabled to carry a much roomier body. This capacity has been achieved by more scientific means than simply lengthening the wheelbase. In point of fact, the Mark V chassis is two inches shorter in the wheelbase than the current type (10ft. 4in. as against 10ft. 6in.), though wider in track (by two inches at the rear). Increased body space has been provided by a careful redistribution of units, resulting in the engine being mounted several inches farther forward in the frame than hitherto. Actual chassis dimensions are: Wheelbase 10ft. 4in., track (front) 4ft. 8½in.; (rear) 4ft. 10in. Ground clearance, 6¼in. The wheels are smaller than on the existing model, the rim size being 16 by 4½in., carrying 6.5in. tyres. The leading details of the engine specification are not altered, and are as follows: Six cylinders, cast in one block, with a bore and stroke of 89 by 114 mm. (4,257 c.c.), rated at 29.4 h.p., having overhead valves, carried on a detachable cylinder head and operated by push rods. The pistons, of patented design and alloy, have dome-shaped crowns. The engine lubrication system is interesting in that, apart from pressure feed by a gear-type pump to the crankshaft main bearings, The front suspension from rear view. The torque arm, through which passes the divided steering track rod, is seen. 5 | ||