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).
Repeated rear axle shaft failure on a Bentley, chassis 189.B.L., attributed to reckless driving.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 131\4\ scan0312 | |
| Date | 22th June 1937 | |
| To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Kingsbury June 22nd.1937. 11/3 BENTLEY REAR AXLE FAILURE. Franklin 189.B.L. This owner who is a reckless driver (the condition of the car shows it) has again sheared an axle shaft. The car was in the Depot last Nov. 26.11.36. with a sheared N.S.R. shaft. Two new shafts were then fitted. The O.S. has now sheared. Mileage of car when attended to last was 40,520, is now 53,448. We attribute the failures to a sudden reversal torque. I am forwarding the drive and broken end. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||