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).
Proposal for a streamlined Bentley car, quoting an extract from a letter by Mr. Fedden.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\1\ Scan034 | |
| Date | 27th November 1933 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 8261 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re 100 Miles an Hour Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}3/E27.11.33 Copy to W.R.C. Streamlined Bentley Car. F.Div. Lp.{Mr Lappin} has received a letter from Mr.Fedden of which the following is an extract: "With regard to the body for the Bentley, I thought this matter over carefully on the way back in the train. "I am distinctly intrigued with the stream line body, and think it has got the making of a very good job, but, quite honestly, I do not think you would ever sell one of this first prototype, unless it was somebody who was going to race the car in a high speed trial such as the Mille Miglia in Italy, or the Swedish Grand Prix. I believe, however, that certain modifications to this body, which will undoubtedly detract somewhat from the original ideal stream line aspect ratio, would make a very attractive proposition, and still give at least as good, or slightly better, performance than the normal car. In other words, it seems to me worth while having an extremely eyeable job of a general stream line form, with perhaps capabilities of 2½ miles an hour better speed than the standard body, as compared with 5 miles an hour on the wind tunnel prototype. "With the above modifications, I should very much like to plump for a stream line body for my chassis, although I admit it is a bit of an experiment. "I am wondering, if your people are going on with the stream line idea in a modified form, and if they have got to spend more money on experimental work, whether they would like to combine with me on the job, because I presume that if a modified stream line body was made to my suggestions for my chassis, it would be useful as a prototype. "I have written to Park Ward giving my suggestions of the modifications, and have sent a copy of the letter to your Firm, and would be grateful if you would be good enough to put this aspect of the situation up to the powers that be, as, quite frankly, the real thing that is worrying me, is the cost of the body"......... I have asked Lp.{Mr Lappin} to say for the moment that he is going into the matter with our people and have also asked him to try to draw Fedden as to exactly what he means by combining with him from the point of view of £.s.d. | ||