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).
Revisions to the 'Bensport' chassis layout, including wheelbase increase and radiator design changes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img123 | |
| Date | 24th March 1932 | |
| BENSPORT. We send herewith N. sch. 3406/7. showing a quarter scale layout of the chassis, and a 1/16th. scale drawing of the Sports Saloon respectively. There is also a quarter scale layout of the body of the Riley Monaco Saloon - N. sch. 3451. The Riley Monaco Saloon is a magnificent example of how to make the best use of a given body space when the latter is small. As the result of borrowing one of these cars we learnt a great deal, and have subsequently found it necessary to entirely revise our Bensport layouts - N. schs. 3406/7. - as the comfort was inadequate. N. SCH. 3406. BENSPORT CHASSIS LAYOUT. A great deal of the chassis is common with Peregrine, and on a specification which is to follow we shall enumerate the features in detail. We have shown a vertical radiator, as the original one is found to be not essential. The sloping 'V' radiator is difficult to construct and causes difficulty with the bonnet, and in maintaining the Bentley appearance. It is also more costly. We are setting out a series of designs of radiators so that the whole issue can be subsequently discussed. The wheelbase has been increased to 10ft. 1in., the additional inch being gained by moving the axle forward on the springs, from its central and original position. This has enabled the transmission line to be lowered approx: 2", as the supercharger is now aft of the axle. An axle with .5" more downset has been shown, and it is suggested it be used on Peregrine. Conversely if we must use the axle already set out for Peregrine then it merely means that the front of the car (Bensport) is raised by .5". For immediate issue, after Easter, we have a frame layout, and a design of an open car asked for by Sales. Subsequent upon E's approval of the designs would BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} please send us 3 prints of each, as we have to send prints to R.{Sir Henry Royce} and SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, and return to us the original of N. schemes 3406/7. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||