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 development progress of the Bentley III chassis against the Wraith chassis for the 1939 Show.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\1\ scan0202 | |
| Date | 30th August 1938 | |
| To.. Mr & Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}.....From RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} C.C. Mr Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 400 RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}1/MC.30.8.38. BENTLEY III It is understood that the above chassis is intended for introduction at 1939 Show and upon reviewing the present position it would appear that time is drawing short, and that the present rate of progress must be accelerated if this aim is to be fulfilled. Since Wraith and Bentley III. are expected to be released at consecutive Shows it is interesting to observe the position of the latter chassis to-day as compared with the former a year ago. Such comparison reveals that three complete Wraith chassis were on the road before July, 1937, the last of which had been passed to test in France on June 30th whereas the second Bentley III. chassis has only been recently completed, and is not expected to leave for France until the end of September. This delay of 3 months between the respective 15,000 miles test seems to indicate that Wraith chassis a year ago was in a more advanced and favourable position than Bentley III is to-day, and any relaxation of effort with regard to Bentley III will result in a serious position arising next year. An appreciable amount of material is admittedly common to both Wraith and Bentley III., particularly as regards the power units, and the situation will be eased to some extent by the fact that Wraith material will be available for Bentley III requirements. There are, however, other parts such as frame front suspension which are of new design, whilst entirely new tools will be required for the rear axle and gear box. An effort is at present being made to project tool designs from the available schemes but since the final designs are not available, it is not possible to complete the tool designs in question. A schedule has, therefore, been prepared and is attached hereto indicating the various dates with which it is considered necessary to conform in order to permit of tool manufacture, operation planning, and machine processing being dealt with in reasonable time. Cont'd....... | ||