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).
Performance and characteristics of different Bentley coachwork bodies, including an experimental all-steel model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\3\ scan0018 | |
| Date | 30th June 1936 | |
| x204 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}38/KW.30.6.36. Bentley Coachwork. Referring to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}1/E.29.6.36. We are glad to note that the first all-steel body is behaving satisfactorily. In view of the fact that there are still a number of Coachbuilders who cannot produce all-steel coachwork, it may be of interest to record that the Vanvooren body which we have been running for the past 18 months on an experimental car is without doubt the best body we have ever had on an experimental Bentley car. In spite of the fact that it has had no attention whatever, and has received typically rough experimental usage including a mileage of 22,130 , the whole car is remarkably free from squeaks and rattles. We had the opportunity of trying Lappin's car the other day and came to the conclusion that it was not up to the standard of the Vanvooren, though we believe it is a similar type of construction. Another point worth recording is that although we have been told that the pillarless Saloon is an impracticable car from the point of view of draughts, etc., the experimental car has suffered from none of these alleged defects. Briefly, we appear to have established all Sr's claims for this particular firm's coachwork. In case there are any points of construction which are not clear to English coachbuilders, we believe Sr. can enlighten them on the subject. We have not of course had a fair experience of all-steel Bentley bodies, because the original suffered from one or two teething troubles which we hope have been eliminated on the standard production body. We shall be able to get a fair value on the new body with improved access to the driving seats. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||