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 to the Editor of The Autocar magazine regarding the performance of a 3 1/2 litre Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0069 | |
| Date | 12th December 1940 | |
| SUTTON BASSETT. 12.12.40. The Editor, The Autocar, Dorset House, Stamford Street, LONDON.S.E.1. Dear Sir, In reply to your correspondent, "C.W." letter number 13492 of your issue of December 6th, asking for information on 3½ litre Bentleys. I have one of the second hundred 3½ litre Rolls-Bentleys, that were manufactured in Derby, and I bought it when it had done about 40,000 miles. Since then I have driven it hard a further 40,000 miles, using it for urgent Government business. I find the car a delight to drive and extremely economical to run. Petrol consumption averages about 19 miles to the gallon, oil 1,500. The brake steering and road holding are better than any other car I have handled. The general smoothness and absence of fuss when driven hard, enable one to cover prodigious distances without personal fatigue. Maximum speeds (which I regard as far less important than acceleration, directional stability and stopping power) seem to be in the neighbourhood of 95 m.p.h under the most favourable English road conditions. The gear-change is completely fool-proof and invites constant use. The third speed is practically inaudible at 80,000 miles. The Thrupp and Maberley body gives one slightly more room than the standardised saloon, and ample accomodation for four people. I find that the car starts best on S.A.E. 30 oil, and use an S.A.E. 50 oil in the Summer. - Continued - | ||