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).
Strategies for reducing the weight of Bentley cars to improve performance and handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0102 | |
| Date | 1st February 1935 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rh.{R. Hollingworth} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Rdy. +258 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rh.{R. Hollingworth}7/KW.1.2.35. Weight of Bentley Cars. At the last Chassis Conference it was agreed that one of the three most urgent jobs on the Bentley was the improvement in performance. In our opinion by far the most effective way of doing this is to reduce the weight of the car, because this also improves the handling. To drive a standard chassis which, complete with body, weighs less than 25 cwts. (such as Hall's did before being modified for the T.T.) is a revelation. The main objection we have to the latest batch of Bentleys with the heavier bodies is that they handle in a clumsy manner, and this is confirmed by customers who have owned both. The improved engine power now available, about 15%, will not do much to overcome this criticism, besides which raising the compression ratio always results in a less pleasant automobile. BODIES. We are of the opinion that the stabilising bumper bar is equivalent in its effect on the body to a considerable increase in frame strength. We should like to give Park Wards carte blanche in the use of materials to remove the 140 lbs. they have added to the original Bentley body, and any more weight they think feasible, and test this body in conjunction with the bumper bar in France. If weight is replaced where found necessary we consider the nett result might be 1 cwt. total saving. CHASSIS. There is no doubt that there are places on the Bentley chassis where weight can be saved without impairing efficiency. The two angles of attack are alteration in design and material. | ||