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).
Very favourable first test drive of the Bensport car, noting its excellent performance but also a significant issue with fumes inside the body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page274 | |
| Date | 1st May 1933 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} G.W. H's REPORT ON B... V 453. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}7/HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}5.33. re. BENSPORT CAR. I was certainly very favourably impressed with my first test of the above car this week-end. As a proposition for covering the ground quickly, and at the same time safely, comfortably and without effort, it is the best car I have ever driven. One automatically is driving and maintaining a speed which is perfectly safe for cornering, braking etc. and what normally, with a usual car would be about 30 m.p.h. finds the speedometer reading 50 - 60 m.p.h. Various criticisms could be made as discussed with you this morning, but as these are covered by GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}'s report, and I understand are having attention, there is no need for me to report them. In any case, there does not appear to be anything from a technical point of view to keep it off the market. I already know of two customers who would place their order at once if I could give them a trial run. As discussed this morning, however, the essential feature requiring attention is fumes in the body. The construction is such that this may be a difficult proposition, but with this car the fumes become impossible unless the sliding roof is open. Crankchamber ventilation is now having your attention, but I should like to try the car again when this is done as I am doubtful whether this will be enough. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||