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).
Test report on streamline-bodied cars, evaluating weight distribution, handling, and performance at Brooklands.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\1\ scan0316 | |
| Date | 26th October 1934 | |
| L204 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To S.R...........From EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} C. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wer. T.HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} DM.{D. Munro} Vin. Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}3/GC. 26.10.34. Re: Streamline Bodies. The following so called streamline cars were tested by BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}, JLE{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager}, LA{L. A. Archer} and Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} at Brooklands yesterday: Park Ward Show Bentley - B.62 BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Thrupp Show Bentley - B.30 BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Park Ward Show P.Z. - 86 SK. Park Ward Show Bentley B.82 BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} From the weight sheet attached it will be seen that the car is 3 cwts. heavier than the Standard Saloon and is over the guarantee weight. All the extra weight is behind the rear axle. The car showed distinct signs of being tail heavy when driven on the track and on the road. It would be very bad to handle in a skid. The lap speed was about average, i.e. 88 M.P.H. On the road the car felt very sluggish due to the great weight, and this was without luggage, or a full tank. We have 3 such cars built for stock and we feel that we must not let them go to the public in their present state. At least the weight should be reduced to within the guarantee limit, and the length of the tail diminished. The rear boot should be re-arranged so that the spare wheel cannot be carried on the inside of the lid{A. J. Lidsey}, as in this position the weight is too far aft. We feel that we ought not to build cars for our own stock which break the rules we lay down for coachbuilders and agents. Thrupp Show Car B.30 BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} This car is shorter than the Park Ward Car, and is 2.5 cwts heavier than the Standard Saloon. Its lap speed was 87.5 M.P.H. It is a slightly better car to handle than B.82 BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} but is still too heavy and very noisy. | ||