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 and first impressions of a Bensport sporting car from France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0018 | |
| Date | 19th February 1933 | |
| To: Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From: GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Hotel de France, Chateauroux, France. The peregrine car did not do its usual mileage yesterday. We had to use it to see about the despatching of 19EX. The men were fully occupied during the day on the 1 B 111. car to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s instructions. I tried the Bensport along with Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} this morning. It is very well sprung for high speed work, and for a sporting car the low speed riding is the softest I have tried. The front of the car is none too steady and possibly may be improved. The Bonnet knocks due to the above may be improved. The steering as I tried the car was selective, self centering was if anything too good. There was no sign of wabbles or joggles, but there is a continual vibration of the steering wheel itself. I am not at all in favour of the sprung steering wheel. The grip of the wheel is too smooth and too round giving the impression of a small dia wheel. The engine was particularly smooth at 90 mph. On the overrun there is rather a rough period. The acceleration feels good. Absence of torque reaction is most marked. The clutch is very smooth in engagement. If there are any periods in the drive I could not hear them (unfortunately I am deaf in one ear as the result of a bad attack of earache) There is an engine gear rattle that I could hear possibly you will not be critical about this. The third gear acceleration may bring you into trouble, the maximum speed is too easily reached for safety of the crankshaft. The brakes are powerful and smooth but are affected by water entering the drums. The first impression is an all round good car, the delusion may come later. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} [Signature: G.W.Hancock] | ||