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).
To F. Dodd regarding production improvements and ongoing issues with the all-steel Bentley body by Park Ward, following troubles on experimental car B.56.BN.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\3\ scan0007 | |
| Date | 6th June 1936 | |
| Y 204 F.{Mr Friese} DODD S/W. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to O.{Mr Oldham} c. to Ox. c. to JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} HnB/WL.6.6.36. (Dict. 5.6.36.) All-steel Bentley Body. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/KW.4.6.36. Unfortunately, your Experimental Car No. B.56.BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} developed engine trouble on the way from Derby to London. A lorry was sent out to bring it in to N, but it is not expected to arrive there until late this afternoon or early this evening. However, JLE{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} and I arranged to meet Mr. Hancock at Park Wards this afternoon to discuss the contents of your memo. with Mr. Ward. The latter was full of apologies for the troubles you have experienced with B.56.BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}, and it was arranged that when this car eventually turns up, we shall go along again to their Works and discuss in detail each defect. As regards the production bodies, it will be remembered that before these were commenced, you were able to give Park Wards the opportunity of going thoroughly over B.56.BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}, and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} personally came to London to explain the troubles experienced on that car, and to discuss the best method of avoiding similar troubles in the future. Subsequent inspections were made of production bodies in early stages of construction to make sure Park Ward had taken advantage of the lessons learned and incorporated 'E's recommendations. We however examined several bodies now going through to satisfy ourselves that Park Wards have continued to employ these improved methods of manufacture, and in particular, that their present methods will prevent a recurrence of the troubles experienced on B.56.BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} We found the following:- (1) Wings. As you know, the front wing and running board is now in one. It is attached to the running board stays by means of bolts. Mr. Hancock instructed Park Ward to use a looking washer, although the coachbuilders were satisfied that | ||