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).
Letter discussing body space and high oil consumption issues on Bentley and other models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\4\ scan0304 | |
| Date | 27th May 1936 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Private. 27th May, 1936. Dear Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, Many thanks for yours of the 20th. Do you really think it is not possible to get 2" more room in the body without considerably increasing the weight of the coachwork and deteriorating the performance. I should have thought that the little extra weight necessary to give this 2" would have been negligible, and in any case not sufficient to interfere with the performance. The increased body space would probably collect a few 25 h.p. RR purchasers, but on the other hand I feel certain that it would collect a number of purchasers who so far will not purchase a Bentley owing to the limited accommodation. Even 1" counts on this car, and I am sure the moment people realise there is ample room for four tall people our sales will benefit. Naturally one does not want to spoil the performance, but I should have thought that the 4 1/4-litre Bentley would have had sufficient in hand to cope with the little extra weight necessary. With regard to the oil consumption, there is no doubt that quite a number of people besides myself are disappointed to think that the official consumption is only 800 m.p.g. It is of course realised that a high reving engine eats up oil, but even so I think that 800 m.p.g seems poor. Owners themselves feel this way about it, and as you know the majority of Bentley owners to-day are specialists with high speed cars, and know what oil consumptions are on other cars, and therefore expect the same or even better consumption on such a high priced article. Personally I feel that the general oil consumption is not consistent, and I understand this does not improve after 2,000 miles. [Handwritten: always] I have made one or two enquiries, and find that the following chassis numbers are of interest:- Chassis No. B.60.FB. After a mileage of 3,105 "K" were told by "W" repairs to re-bore. Chassis No. B.76.FB. Went to "W" after 1,579 miles for heavy oil consumption. | ||