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 report on car B-56-BN, detailing issues with the chassis, headlamps, clutch, and other components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\5\ scan0152 | |
| Date | 8th March 1937 | |
| 264 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wst. E/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}6/HP.8.3.37. B-56-BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} (1) This car is excellent for demonstrating the lack of rigidity of the present Bentley chassis, and is generally very unpleasant and uncomfortable in any position of the ride control. (2) The new Lucas headlamps are very good for night driving, giving ample illumination. There is one point however which requires modification in view of their adoption on production in the near future. In the "undipped" position they are continually flickering on any but the very best roads. It appears that there is not sufficient spring load on the reflectors to keep them in the vertical position. (3) The clutch was good and free from any jagging. I do not know whether it is fitted with rubber friction linings, but on one occasion there was an extremely strong smell of burning rubber which could not be traced down. If the clutch linings are not of the rubber variety this point should be investigated because it is rather disconcerting; it occurred after dark, i.e. all lights etc. in operation. There is something peculiar about the clutch operation, at approximately half pedal some sort of obstruction to further movement is apparent. (4) The ignition warning light occasionally lights up momentarily. (5) An occasional clattering noise is apparent from somewhere underneath the car, a noise rather like a brake rope clattering against the silencer. (6) The arrangement of the inside door handles is highly dangerous. It is difficult to close the door from inside without trapping ones fingers in the lock. E/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} | ||