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).
Performance report on a 3,500-mile tour in a 3.5 litre Bentley, detailing issues at high altitudes and with the bodywork.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\4\ scan0009 | |
| Date | 22th June 1934 | |
| Telephone, 276 RUGBY (2 lines) x7961 Established 1904. Telegrams, "LODGE, RUGBY" Lodge Plugs Limited, Rugby. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY [Handwritten circle and text]: Copies to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} S G WORK E By / #s Date: 22 June 1934. Your Ref. Our Ref. BH/EW. All letters must be addressed to the Company, not to individuals [Left column] DIRECTORS: J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} ALFRED HOPPS. BERNARD HOPPS. ALEC M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} LODGE. F.{Mr Friese} BRODIE LODGE. Dear Mr. Hives, The following are some notes on a 3,500 mile tour I have just made on my 3½ litre Bentley No. B85AE through France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, during which I climbed the following passes: Arlberg, Flexen, Brenner, Giovo, Rolle, Falzarego, Pordoi, Karen, Sella, Tre Croci, Mendola, Tonale, Aprica, Malogia, Julier, and many other more difficult ones off the main routes. I could not get over the Stelvio as it was snowed up. In no case had I to reverse at any of the bends, the lock being ample. Above 5,000 ft. the petrol pumps buzzed all out. At first I suspected an air lock, but on testing for this found the petrol flow was normal, and although the pumps continued buzzing hard the engine ran without misfiring. On dropping down below 5,000 ft. the pumps stopped buzzing. I noticed that engine power fell off at the higher altitudes which was to be expected. Petrol used was Esso. All the difficult passes were climbed on 2nd. gear, which I found an ideal ratio, as the bends could be taken slowly with plenty in hand for acceleration. Second gear was also ideal for descending, with a touch on the brakes to slow down for the bends, otherwise brakes were not required. Easy passes such as the Arlberg and Brenner were climbed mostly on 3rd. gear. The water temperature was usually 76°C. and never exceeded 80°C. on the passes. I had no trouble whatever with the chassis, which ran perfectly throughout, but the pleasure derived from the performance of the chassis was marred to a great extent by the rattles developed by the body. The door hinges worked loose, the doors dropped and ( Continued ) | ||