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).
Results of modifications and retests on 14 Bentley cars for demonstration and show purposes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page051 | |
| Date | 29th September 1933 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} re BENTLEYS ---------- We have now completed modifications and retests of the 14 cars for demonstration and show purposes. The following are a few points we suggest require your attention. Generally the cars are very good and quite up to the standard of the Experimental cars - in fact in several respects better, due to modifications. (1) Drive groan. Retard 50-40 m.p.h. still exists, as per 25 HP. complaint, in spite of special damped clutch coupling fitted, with which we have obtained the best adjustment to your satisfaction. The noise is not definitely objectionable, but will be picked out by some customers. We assume the coupling above referred to will have the virtue of not allowing it to develop worse. Saloon bodied cars are the worst offenders. (2) There is a slight rattle up to 30 m.p.h top gear forward and retard, which appears to emanate from the "drive". Should like to investigate this further when opportunity permits. "Chunking" in the drive is rather objectionable unless regular firing of the engine is obtained. Carburation for lower speeds is rather sensitive, and this point is now having the attention of Mr. Archer and the S.U. men. (3) Petrol fumes in the body do exist. Petrol tank nearly full and turning corners. Practically all the fillers are enclosed in the body and attempts made at boxing in and ventilating. Consider some form of ventilation to tank required. (4) Petrol pumps. Noise has been reduced to a minimum. It can still, however, be a feature of complaint on enclosed cars. | ||