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 drive report detailing multiple issues with a Bentley car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\2\ scan0013 | |
| Date | 29th April 1937 | |
| 200a FILE HOTEL DE FRANCE, CHATEAUROUX. Indre. France. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/5/JAB. 29th April 1937. To. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 6. B. IV. I tried this car yesterday. My impression was the worst Bentley I have had the misfortune to drive. The engine although with softened mounting, was rough throughout the range. Carburetter throttles were sticking. There were no detonations as new head had just been fitted. CLUTCH. The load of the clutch pedal required super human effort to operate after coming off the Phantom. The actual engagement was not too bad and would not constitute a complaint. STEERING. The steering was stable and directional. GEARBOX. The change was good, gears quiet. BRAKES. Although the braking was efficient, the action was lumpy, solid, and felt like nothing on earth. Squeaks from the front were abominable. These were cured by increasing the poundage of the pilot shoes from 40 to 80 lbs. Rear brakes also squeaked. SPRINGING. There was no springing. With minimum damping control it rode like a truck. The loads of the dampers had not been interfered with. Acceleration and maximum speed were up to standard performance. One good feature was the absence of driving dog rattle. ---------- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||