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).
Letter providing feedback and first impressions after test-driving a new car model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\1\ scan0182 | |
| Date | 31th January 1938 | |
| Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd., D E R B Y................Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1245 Sr5/Crn.31.I.38. Dear Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}, Waller came up from Chateauroux the other day, and I tried your latest product. I was on the point of writing and giving you my opinion of it, but I have now decided to have another go at this car over a long distance, before committing myself !! I can definitely state, however, that the ride was good, and that the car certainly went straight down undulating, crowned and otherwise roads, without any effort on the driver's behalf. I am not definitely convinced in my own mind yet what happens when cornering fast, but one certainly seems to have to give more rudder than with the present steering. The gearbox seems to be a verry great improvement, and it is certainly delightful to be able to crack along at 90 to 95 M.P.H. on the speedometer at between 3 and 3,700 revs. Silence of the whole car on the over drive, and the lack of over run periods, which the present Bentleys seem to be suffering from more and more, was very appreciable. There is an exaggerated amount of whip on the column of this car, which I think you can get over. So much for the time being. I will give you more details of my impressions when I have really had a long run. From this you will judge that I am getting either wise, or old. As ever, h; | ||