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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 B.S. Cunningham discussing the performance of a Streamline Bentley, with comparisons to an American Buick.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 174\2\  img316
Date  11th March 1939
  
Em4/R

11th March, 1939.

B.S. Cunningham, Esq.,
Green Farms,
Conn: U.S.A.

Dear Cunningham,

Thank you very much for your letter of February 24th.

I am interested to hear that you consider that the Buick is America's fastest stock car. I, too, thought the same thing, and, in consequence, we had one delivered from the Flint Works to Derby three weeks' ago.

I attach a copy of our preliminary road test on this car, which I should be glad if you would treat as confidential, because we should not like our figures to be quoted in America. You will see that the Streamline Bentley which you saw reported in the 'Autocar' covered 107.5 miles in one hour on Montlhery. Its fastest lap was 110 m.p.h. This was under official A.C.U. observation.

I personally went on that little trip with it on the Continent, and attach a copy of a report written by a French journalist. You will see that over 112 m.p.h. was averaged on the road for five minutes. The consump-tions are, of course, quite phenomenal.

With regard to acceleration, using the gears it is, of course, about as good as any car that has so far been produced.

I enclose a photograph of the car. I thought you would find it very interesting. I admit that the head-room for the rear passengers has been restricted, but as a two-seater it is an excellent car with any amount of luggage room. It is, of course, quite a useful occasional four.
  
  


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