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).
Bensport car test run from Chateauroux, detailing performance and mechanical failures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\4\ img014 | |
| Date | 9th April 1933 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Hotel de France, Chateauroux, Indre. 9.4.33. REPORT ON BENSPORT AT 12,186 MILES. 7,807 RUN FROM CHATEAUROUX. The first 4,289 miles were run By Rn.{Mr Robinson} and Mr. Bentley. When the car arrived here after the latters run, exhaust fumes were being emitted from the crank chamber and a distinct blow could be heard. We had tried the car previously. Our impression was the acceleration was very good and far exceeded any previous cars tried here. We were of the opinion however that the acceleration on the third speed could not be utilised to the best advantage to attain the maximum speed of the direct drive. The maximum useful speed of the third gear being 80 m.p.h. A slightly higher gear ratio would in our opinion be an advantage. There was no sign of the speed of the car dropping when driving consistently at high speed, which we have observed with other makes of car. --------- We have had the following failures and troubles during the mileage. (1) Split retaining rings on pistons came adrift and scored pistons and cylinders at a mileage of 4,289. (2) 2 Pistons broke after a mileage of 1,091 miles and 1,817 miles respectively. (3) 1 Piston broke after a mileage of 4,877. (4) S.U. Petrol pumps suck air when cornering with only 4 gallons of petrol in tank, due to the main suction pipe being momentarily uncovered. (5) Starter motor only just turned engine when cold with a air temperature at zero. (6) Oil pressure failed due to foreign matter under release valve seating of oil pump. | ||