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 driver's general impressions comparing the 'Streamlined Bentley' and 'Bertha' motor-cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\3\ scan0230 | |
| Date | 13th July 1939 | |
| ALL TESTERS. To: "HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}", "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}" 4009 PARIS Sr21/Dn13.7.39 Having just had an opportunity of thoroughly trying out both the forthcoming Show model edition of the Streamlined Bentley and "Bertha", I would like to place on record my general impressions of these two motor-cars. Streamlined Car The general impression one gets is that of driving a small motor-car, whereas, in reality, it is bigger, if anything, than the B.V. The comfort of the seats is good, and the ride in the back particularly so. A little more leg room would be appreciated, but no doubt if this were provided for, the car would compete so favourably with the standard B.V., that one begins to wonder whether there would be a market for the latter, apart, of course from the attraction the Bentley radiator has for the public. The speed of the car is good, and I doubt very much whether the average customer will ever push the car to its maximum, except perhaps on occasions such as when he happens to be, say, on the Italian autostrada. The gear ratios are as good as one can expect, given the high performance on overdrive at 2536 revs, although for severe, mountain passes, it is regrettable that one has to use the first almost continuously. This, however, is not a very serious objection provided that use of this first gear does not put the gear-box to too severe a test. The general handling of the car, especially on acute bends at speeds varying from 30 to 60 m.p.h is absolutely remarkable, and in my opinion, there is not another car on the road today that possesses such road-holding qualities at these speeds. The ride is good, though a little harsh after Bertha, but this should be maintained for Continental owners, who, it must be remembered, will be stepping off a very harsh motor-car relatively speaking (MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} series) on to a remarkably soft-riding vehicle. At high speeds the handling of the car according to my mind, is not everything one could wish for; in fact I definitely do not consider it as good between 70 and 90 m.p.h as is the Bertha with 6-facing forward coachwork. Undoubtedly, this matter will be put right very shortly, and this having been done, and the various propellor shaft periods, rattles, and more especially the ventilation system of the body having been solved, coupled with a serious reduction in weight on the bodies now coming through, the finished car should prove to be a very fine job. | ||