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 from Bristol Aeroplane Company providing feedback on a 5,400-mile road test of a Bentley car, focusing on steering performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\2\ scan0031 | |
| Date | 28th August 1934 | |
| x7961 LONDON OFFICE:- BUSH HOUSE, ALDWYCH, W.C.2. TELEPHONE: TEMPLE BAR 7193. TELEGRAMS: "BRISTAIRCO, BUSH LONDON" TELEGRAMS:- INLAND: AVIATION, PHONE, FILTON. FOREIGN: AVIATION, FILTON. CODES:- WESTERN UNION, BENTLEY'S & A.B.C. TELEPHONES: OFFICES AND WORKS, 45051 (PRIVATE BRANCH EXCHANGE). "Bristol" Aeroplanes and Aero Engines. THE BRISTOL AEROPLANE COMPANY LTD. SIR G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} STANLEY WHITE, BT{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer} (MANAGING DIRECTOR). FILTON HOUSE, BRISTOL, ENG. Your Ref. Our Ref. ENGINES F/FTM/26. August 28th, 1934. [Handwritten Note: WOP Seen. very good. Uho. 6/84] E.W.Hives Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., DERBY. My dear Hives, RE BENTLEY CAR I have now completed 5,400 miles on this car, including a 1,400 miles trip to Scotland during the August holidays, and, as promised, I am sending you along a few impressions. Quite frankly, until I did my long trip to Scotland, I was a little bit disappointed, but this run gave me a great deal of confidence, and I must say that I am very impressed with the car, and think, all round, that it is the best motor car I have ever owned. During my trip to Scotland, I did 456 miles and 440 miles, in just over 11 hours each time, including stops for food, petrol, etc., without the least fatigue. I have actually done longer distances in other cars, but have not felt nearly so fresh afterwards. During my Scottish trip, I had not the least trouble with the car, and was impressed with the fuel and oil consumption. Between Glasgow and Carlisle, on a slightly favourable slope, I touched 98 miles an hour. The following detailed comments may be of interest:- (1). STEERING. Now that I have got accustomed to it I think the steering is very good indeed. I thought at first it was a little spongy after the Alfa, but I have changed my opinion on this point, and must describe it as being excellent. One point, however, has shaken me rather badly. After 5,000 miles I changed the rear tyres on to the front wheels, and three times, twice when going over a bumpy level crossing, and once when going round a very rutty bend, the steering developed a most virulent shimmy. I had something similar on a Lancia Lambda that I used to own, but, in the case of the Bentley, (contd.) | ||