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).
Vehicle performance, including speed tests, acceleration, Bentley overheating issues, and fan noise.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan122 | |
| Date | 14th June 1934 | |
| To: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Works. Sr5/Crn.14.6.34. Your memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}I5/KW.II.6.34 to hand. I note with interest that, having looked up the numbers of our two chassis, you find that under favourable conditions they should attain a speed of 90 m.p.h. (genuine). Of one thing I am quite certain, chassis 79 RY-M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Sévène- will not attain a speed superior to 133 kms an hour, i.e. 1 km in 27", and this on a stretch of road 5 kms in length under favourable conditions with the cut-out open. The body of this car is a two door, 4 seater, and only weighs 500 kgs complete. I am not worrying about the other car, as with an improved speedometer we can manage. However, I would like to state that most of the Continentals we are getting over here are inclined to be sluggish on the pick up. Having tried out 79 RY against 70 MS (M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Lang) on acceleration, standing start, 79 RY can only take about 10 metrès from 70 MS. With regard to the Bentley overheating, my last note will give you some information on this subject, but I must say quite frankly that on the Puy de Dôme test, the temperature was remarkably good, i.e. 85°C and only slightly above 90°C when engine cut off at top of hill. However, on long flat stretches the temperature continually varied between 95° and 85°C. The large fan has not made the slightest difference on B 15 AE other than set up an unpleasant roar at 90 m.p.h. This, however, depends on the temperature at that speed, which I should imagine proves that this roar is only set up when the radiator shutters are not entirely open, but "under pressure". The photographs and data enclosed with your memo., concerning Mr. Fedden's car, are extremely interesting. The photographs are being reproduced by "EWP{Mr Punt}" and your copies will be returned very shortly. AR Dear Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} It is high time you came over this side, many interesting things to talk to you about & show you. Things are still looking bright for us, in fact I am up to my "eyebrows" in it at present. Further worried about the Bentley front axle & springs the new axle & springs does not definitely cure the wandering at high speeds on cambered undulated roads. Cheers. Er. | ||