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).
Comparing the weight of the 'Cresta' Bentley with a Buick, alongside commentary on the performance of the Wraith.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\3\ scan0083 | |
| Date | 20th February 1939 | |
| 1049 SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/R.20.2.39. BUICK WEIGHT. With reference to your note re the Buick weight, we anticipate that the 'Cresta' Bentley, which will have the 5¼-litre engine and will be directly comparable with the seating capacity of the Century Buick model, will weigh 37½ cwts. complete with petrol. The weight which we obtained for the Buick, with petrol, was 36¾ cwts. We have always felt that if performance was considered to be of importance on the Wraith, then this chassis had an engine which was far too small for the work it was called upon to do. Any attempt to increase the out-put of this small engine detracts from its Rolls-Royce characteristics. On the other hand, we have the impression, that though people who buy the Wraith type of car complain about its performance, they always fit the largest possible body and put up with the lack of acceleration cheerfully. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||