The origins of the Derby Bentley - some new insights

[andyfeaver]

Hello all,

One final one this morning - again from my research in the West Wittering files.

Here we have "C" - William M Cowen - director and General Manager for Rolls-Royce laying out the plan for Bentley in January 1932. The deal to buy the company, via the shell company of the British Central Equitable Trust, had only occurred in November 1931. What is exciting is that it lays out, in Rolls-Royce's own hand, the "business case" for the new company and the very first concept behind the Derby Bentley.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Balance this with Ernest Hives' slightly different view on the the "technological" solution for introducing the first Derby Bentley:







It is interesting to see the contemporary discussions which were working within Rolls-Royce during the end of 1931 and into early 1932 on the Bentley project.

I hope this is of interest to Derby owners.

AF

[Ewan Gallie]

Fascinating.

Many thanks for sharing this on the forum.

Ewan

[Ewan Gallie]

Fascinating. Many thanks for sharing this on the forum.

Ewan

[Ewan Gallie]

Fascinating

[Ewan Gallie]

[andyfeaver]

I am pleased that this has been of interest. As and when I come across more on this early period of Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd, I will share it.

Take care,

Andy