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 to adopt a new, simpler, and cheaper side spare wheel carrier for Bentley cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\3\ scan0212 | |
| Date | 9th January 1937 | |
| To H.H. Copy to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} HFS. BY/RD. Side Spare Wheel - Bentley. We understand from the Production D.O. that they have received on more than one occasion, a request that the side spare wheel plate on Bentley be moved inwards 2 1/2". This is because a very flowing wing line in the side elevation is used which buries the wheel up to its centre line, making it impossible to rock the wheel forward at the top before it is lifted out of the wheel well. We are informed by the Production D.O. that approximately 25% of the Bentley chassis have one spare wheel at the side, and some of these have two. As you are aware we have produced a design of side spare wheel carrier, both simpler and cheaper than the one which is now used, overcoming Thrupp & Maberley's difficulty, and at the same time moving the spare wheel 3" forward in order that wide entrance Bentley bodies may be produced. This carrier has been fitted to 3.B.IV, the latest all-steel bodied Bentley car. In view of the difficulty which is being experienced by Thrupp & Maberley in connection with the present standard side wheel carrier, and in view of your intention to recommend the added ease of access and egress from the front seat, we suggest that there are indications we should adopt as standard this new and cheapened side spare wheel carrier, and with this object in view we have asked the Expl. Dept. to give it a bump test as soon as possible so that a standardisation sheet may be circularised. We would be glad to have your views. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||