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 with suggested body modifications for a Bentley Streamline Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\1\ Scan082 | |
| Date | 22th May 1934 | |
| x261 GRY{Shadwell Grylls} Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C.W.J. Upr. En. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Milthorp EVS/IH.22.5.34. re:- STREAMLINE SALOON - B.23-AN - BENTLEY. -------------------------- I drove the Streamline car about 400 miles this week-end for the first time. It is an astounding vehicle for performance, high speed in comfort and low petrol consumption. The rear tyres were rather on the worn side and skids on wet roads were too plentiful. After this experience one would like to make the following modifications to the body:- (1) The front seat, now 41 ins at elbow line would, I believe, be quite satisfactory if increased to 44 ins. The width of the car need not be increased by so great an amount, as more "tumble in" to the sides could be used with advantage to the appearance. (2) The headroom needs to be increased by 1½" in both front and rear seats and I suggest that a Sunshine roof is essential on a car of this calibre. (3) A width indicator would be added to the near side to indicate the outside edge of the car. This could be carried out from the radiator or headlamp standard. (4) The rear seats need 2 ins. more knee room, but need not be more wide than the amount they would gain by widening the front elbow room. (5) I suggest that 4 doors would be used in preference to 2 doors. (6) Luggage accommodation would be provided in the rear as well as on the tray below the back light. (7) Horizontal shields behind the cycle type front wings would be fitted to keep the mud down. I experienced no trouble from mud on the screen. These shields would be attached to the chassis like steps. No steps are needed as such on so low a car. (8) I would stagger the front seats, having the passenger 2" -1- | ||