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).
Body weight of experimental car 5-B-IV compared to standard models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0073 | |
| Date | 1st December 1934 | |
| COPY. x258 x 200a (3) To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KW.1.12.34. Experimental Car 5-B-IV. 5-B-IV body weighs approximately 10 cwts. 23 lbs. Taking five standard Bentley Saloons of the B.C.R. series, Nos. 124, 126, 38, 140 & 104, their average body weight is 9 cwts. The attached list shews that as far as we can ascertain the whole of the difference can be accounted for by the coachwork experimental features fitted. Whether these features are in any way desirable on the standard body in view of the weight increase they entail has yet of course to be decided, our own view is that considering the fact that the standard saloon complete now weighs over 32 1/4 cwts. we can afford none of them; however, producing the parts has enabled the weight to be ascertained, probably it is worth running them to ascertain their merit, if any. It is essential that we run a side wheel carrier on this car as they are being sold but we have not previously done a 10,000 miles road test. Neglecting the additions to this body as tabulated, there seems to be some merit in 5-B-IV if it will stand up in service, because we have more room than in the standard body and a luggage grid at the back, yet if we throw away the steel wings etc. and replace by standard parts it weighs but 15 lbs. more than the latest R.R. Park Ward Saloon. We do not understand the reference to the maximum Bentley weight being 2 cwts. less than 33 cwts. 3 qrs. 14 lbs., because every standard Saloon at present being turned out exceeds this maximum, as an example, B.38.CR{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} weighs 32 cwts. 3 qrs. 6 lbs. The average weight of the three experimental Saloons at present running is 31 cwts. 10 lbs; if we run 5-B-IV as it is, it will be as much over the weight of the standard cars as our others are under. | ||