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).
Letter to the editor of 'The Motor' magazine comparing the performance of a Rolls-Bentley and a Bugatti in the 1935 Tourist Trophy race.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0218 | |
| Date | 26th February 1941 guessed | |
| 1378 The Editor, "The Motor", Dorset House, Stamford Street, LONDON S.E. 1. Dear Sir, The Bugatti is a wonderful sports car and, in my opinion, the 3.3 is by far the best model they have ever produced. The Rolls-Bentley, however, has proved itself to be the better combination of performance plus durability every time the two makes have met. I must therefore correct the statement made by Mr. Hampton in his letter No.49985 in your issue of Feb. 14th. The Bugatti to which he refers was one of three of these cars which competed in the 1935 Tourist Trophy race. It was driven by Lord Howe, who must be considered an expert on this course, since he put up the fastest average in 1932. The 3½ litre Bentley was handled by E.R. Hall, also one of the best drivers on the Ards Circuit, though he has never brought home a winner. The stage was therefore set for as fair a trial of strength as could be desired, save for the fact that the Bentley was a lone runner and could therefore take no chances. It was the Rolls-Bentley's second appearance in a road race, the 3.3 had much experience of competition events behind it. The result of the race was as follows:- Driver. Car. Average Speed. E.R. HALL 3½ litre Bentley 80.36 Earl HOWE 3.3 Bugatti 79.72 Brian LEWIS 3.3 Bugatti Did not finish. H.C. McFERRAN 3.3 Bugatti Did not finish. The next year the two cars again competed. This time only one Bugatti was running, so that the dice were more evenly loaded. | ||