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).
Suspension improvements for Bentley III and 50 models, focusing on spring ratings, dampers, and the addition of a front roll rod.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\2\ scan0096 | |
| Date | 19th May 1938 | |
| To Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} File 1305 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}7/JH.19.5.38. BENTLEY III AND BENTLEY 50. SUSPENSION. The ride and stability of 7.B.V. has been considerably improved by using lower rating springs of 8" front and 5 1/2" rear initial deflection. This has permitted us to use a fixed poundage for the front dampers equally satisfactory at low and high speeds. The development of the rear dampers is not yet finished. These will probably require hand or governor control. With the low rating springs the roll on corners became noticeable and unpleasant at high cornering speeds. A front roll rod was rigged up which has made a big improvement to the handling and comfort on corners, without introducing any harshness. It has reduced the angle of roll from 6° to 4 1/2° at 0.4 G (The former is the limit tolerated on American cars). We have noted that all the new Packard models are fitted with front roll rods, and a visit was made to examine these at which Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions} was present. Will you please proceed with the necessary designs. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} | ||