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).
Minutes of a conference at Derby to discuss the 3 1/2-litre Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page294 | |
| Date | 30th May 1933 | |
| Dy{F R Danby}2/R.B.S.33. MINUTES OF CONFERENCE AT DERBY TO DISCUSS 3 1/2 - LITRE BENTLEY TUESDAY, MAY 30/1933. Present whole time - Mr. C. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rn.{Mr Robinson} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Present part time - RD. Rx. Minute No. 1. Running Boards. Running boards were discussed and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} reported that running boards as at present fitted by Park Ward's weigh 50 lbs. the pair. As reduction of weight is of great importance on the Bentley in order to maintain its excellent road performance it was agreed that some definite steps be taken to reduce the weight of this item by the use of stiff light pressings or some scheme involving the use of light pressings and hand finishing to suit the different models of body and wings. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} will go into the question and make suggestions. 2. Wheel Arches. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} said 15 sets of wheel arches are required very quickly and that HJC. has a sample, made by Park Ward, to enable him to consult the Tool Drawing Office and decide on a method of manufacture. It was agreed that wheel arches must be supplied to all Coach-builders who will be fitting bodies to Bentley chassis as it is not possible to maintain the low and light construction without the use of sheet metal wheel arches. As the arches are difficult to make, the Coachbuilders will probably make a mess of the job if they have to produce them themselves. The propeller shaft tunnel and rear foot wells were also considered and it was decided that we should treat these (and any other sheet metal parts which can be pressed and are now hand made by Coachbuilders) in the same way as the wheel arches. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} will investigate and have sample pieces submitted for our consideration. 3. Spare Wheel. The method of housing the spare wheel at the rear was discussed and Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} said that the sinking in of the wheel into the back panel was costly and raised the price about £15 above what it would be if the wheel was carried clear of the panel. It was agreed that EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} should put in hand a scheme to eliminate the sunk in wheel and at the same time include a door at the rear to give access to the luggage compartment. | ||