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 the first B.50 car, comparing its performance and features to a future Wraith model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 111\2\ scan0421 | |
| Date | 28th April 1939 | |
| SECRET. To .. Eg. c. to C. HC. HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} -> Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 800. 2B50. CxZ/EE.28.4.39. dict.27.4.39. C. and I had an opportunity of trying for a short while the first of the B.50 cars available for test by driving it from Derby to Leicester where we picked up the London train. The test did not serve any useful purpose because very little of it was such as the final car would be, as neither the engine, gearbox nor the body were the same as what it is intended to supply. It was, however, interesting from the point of view of trying the car with the shorter wheelbase as the Wraith of the future to be supplied when the big 7-seater body is not required, and I think in that respect it will be a very helpful addition to what we have to sell. The car felt lighter than the average Wraith and on an almost flat road between Leicester and Melton Mowbray in runs in two different directions, the maximum speeds registered were 75 m.p.h. against the wind and 88 with the wind, or a mean of 81.5 m.p.h. as shown by the speedometer. The body seemed ample roomy in spite of the shorter wheelbase intended only for 5-seater bodies. This car could not even be judged on appearance because while it is eventually intended to have an R.R. radiator and bonnet, the one tried yesterday looked like an enlarged Bentley. The car seemed to ride very steadily at all speeds and this opinion was formed from sitting in the back as well as in the front, giving the impression that the springing was particularly well suited to the car. C. has read this and agrees with all the above. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} | ||