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 'Bensport' car's performance and handling characteristics following a run at Brooklands.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page186 | |
| Date | 6th February 1933 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}..from Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}1/W/T6.2.33. BENSPORT. I went down to Brooklands with C. and Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} to have a run in the Bensport, and we first tried the car on the track. I was sitting in the back and was very impressed with the comfort of the springing and steadiness at high speeds, although the back springs seemed a little on the soft side, and later on the road the back springing seemed very good for this type of car; the absence of hardness at low speeds being very marked when its road-holding at high speeds was taken into consideration. Later I drove the car on very winding roads and was impressed with its steadiness on corners and general road-holding and controlability. The steering, although good, I thought could be improved, but with such a short run it is rather difficult to gain a definite impression. The car was very nice to drive, visibility, handiness, acceleration and general control being very good. I think the silence and vibration are satisfactory, although even with a sports car freedom from vibration and silence are important provided too much speed is not sacrificed in their attainment. 7 I did not get a very definite idea of maximum speed but consider if it could lap Brooklands at just over 90 with this type of body and do 70-75 on third, it would be satisfactory, while a top gear ratio to enable 96-98 to be done under favourable conditions on the road before reaching the peak of engine revs. The silence of the exhaust seemed satisfactory but I think many people would like rather more exhaust-note provided this did not lead to drumming. 9 There did not seem enough factor of safety with the clutch, it could be made to slip too easily for this type of car. 10 I thought the body would be improved with slightly more headroom and 2 or 3 inches more | ||