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).
Secret memorandum discussing the experimental production stage of the Bentley V Chassis, referencing learnings from the Wraith.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0044 | |
| Date | 19th November 1938 | |
| 1260. SECRET. To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} From RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} GRY.{Shadwell Grylls} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/FH.19.11.38. c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} LA.{L. A. Archer} HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} BENTLEY V.{VIENNA} CHASSIS. We have been reviewing the position of Bentley V.{VIENNA} and taking a survey of Wraith Chassis records, in order to obtain a guide as to the time available for dealing with Bentley V.{VIENNA} in the Experimental Production stage. It will be recalled that 30 Experimental Production Wraith Chassis were released, which were produced in batches of 6, 12 and 12 material for the first six Chassis being released on October 18th. 1937. and absorbed in bringing up to date the then existing Experimental cars. Material release for the next 100 Chassis (known as 'A' series) which included the remaining 24 Experimental Production Chassis, took place in January 1938, whilst release for 200 'B' Series Chassis followed early in May, 1938. With regard to Production of the 24 Wraith Chassis, it is of interest to note that the first Chassis was in the hands of the Test Department in May 1938, the second Chassis in June, and the balance during July, and it was even possible to introduce certain modifications before despatch to bring the specification of these Chassis into line with the remainder of 'A' Series. Taking these facts into account it becomes apparent that little time is available to introduce Bentley V.{VIENNA} Chassis, since they must be ready for the 1939 Show. It is therefore recommended that Material be released immediately since the major portion of the specification is now decided, and it is further recommended in view of the experience gained with the 24 Wraith Chassis, that in the case of Bentley V.{VIENNA} Experimental Production should consist of 50 Chassis. These would be produced in the Works and tested by L.A. on lines similar to those employed with Wraith, in order to obtain advance experience of production problems. It is understood some doubt exists as regards reliability of the simplified Gearbox which has been fitted to Bentley V.{VIENNA} and in order to allow time for thorough investigation and solution of troubles which exist with this Gearbox, it is recommended that Wraith Type Gearbox should be fitted to the first series of Bentley V.{VIENNA} Chassis. Cont'd..... | ||