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).
The results of wind tunnel tests at Vickers on a 3 Litre Bentley, comparing a new aerodynamic model with the standard saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page003 | |
| Date | 3rd June 1933 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} C.c. Rg.{Mr Rowledge} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C.c. C. GL.{G. Linnett} C.c. C. P. 3 LITRE BENTLEY. We have just completed a further set of Wind Tunnel Tests at Vickers with very good results. A full report will be sent in due course but we wish to give you the answer, so to speak, straight away. The best model consisted of the narrowed and lowered saloon body with one to one tail ratio, having the standard radiator and cycle type wings on the front axle, and cycle type wings faired to the body at the rear. The car was fitted with a complete undersheet extending to the rear axle. By a proportionate comparison of data and facts, knowing that the standard Saloon with 93 B.H.P. at the road wheels, at 4150 R.P.M., will lap at 86.5 M.P.H. and show a genuine 93 M.P.H. on the road, we can expect this small and revised bodied car to lap at 95 M.P.H. and show a genuine 103 M.P.H. on the road. We think this is a great advance and would like to go ahead at once to produce such a car. We feel that we may need it badly soon after the announcement. A design will be got out and sent to you. We are also building up the model car to this specification and having it painted a colour up that yourselves and Sales can see what the car will look like. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Drag at 70 ft.sec. of standard car model. 1.400 Drag at 70 ft.sec. of new model car.. 1.032 | ||