Development and strategy for sports car models, including the J.1 and a proposed 'Bensport' model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page020 | |
| Date | 28th January 1932 | |
| HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} ) FROM R. {Sir Henry Royce} BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ) (At Le Canadel(Henry Royce's French residence).) C. to ST. {Capt. P. R. Strong} WDR. RG. {Mr Rowledge} SPORTS CARS. C. to DA. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} PN. {Mr Northey} I thank HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} for his very interesting memo. It is very gratifying to hear that our J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} 1. can be made so good. You will remember that I have already agreed to using it, but as it was getting near J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. we felt inclined to pass it by. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} At the same time it has recently been made so outstandingly good that it is well worth the cost and confusion of some extra spares. (1) Therefore I agree to using J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} 1. head for any purpose that it is uitable and convenient. My earlier memos pointed out its advantages - (a) freer intakes, (b) freer exhaust, (c) simpler exhaust manifold, (d) better distribution by 6 intakes, etc. (2) It should be understood by all that the best we can do should be reserved for RR. and this J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} 1. or J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. will be the RR. continental tourer (25HP). (3) We are obliged to have something quite different to RR for the 'Bensport(Codename for 3 1/2-litre Bentley)' - i.e. extra low frame, small weight, and head resistance, so that 'Peregrine(Experimental Bentley car never produced / Aero Engine)' size engine, supercharged, giving 90/100.HP. will make it perform well with low tax. Personally I do not think it need be very quiet if the noise is not irritating. This we shall know later, but sporty people like a certain kind of noise. Bugattis one can see here with closed bodies. R. {Sir Henry Royce} | ||
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).