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).
Two letters to 'AUTOCAR' discussing the racing performance and history of E.R. Hall's Bentley compared to other models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0013 | |
| Date | 27th October 1940 guessed | |
| LETTER TO THE AUTOCAR. With reference to the correspondence regarding E.R.Hall's Bentley, which has appeared in your previous numbers; this car has never been beaten in it's class in any event in which it has been entered. On the three occasions on which it ran in the Tourist Trophy Race, it failed to attain first place by 17 secs; 1 min. 13 secs; and 1 min. respectively, thus losing the race on handicap, although on each occasion putting up the highest average speed. Yours, etc., LETTER TO AUTOCAR. Your correspondent ----- asks if any of the older Bentley's have a record comparable with that of E.R.Hall's chassis. Records of the Le Mans race indicate that pre-3½-litre Bentley successes were divided between the 3-litre, 4½ litre and 5 litre chassis. They won this race no less than four times; three times in succession in 1927, 1928 and 1929, their last win beibf at an average speed of 73.6 m.p.h. at the time a record for the course. It was unfortunate that E.R.Hall never ran his car at Le Mans, so that no comparable speeds are available over this course. The Le Mans race is of course, ideal as a test of stamina and is more suited to the big car, and the fastest time wins. With regard to the R.T. race, run over the Ards Circuit. Bentleys ran in this race in 1928, 1929 and 1930. In 1928, a 4½ litre did the fastest time at 65.7 m.p.h. In 1929, a similar car did second fastest time at 69 m.p.h. - Continued - | ||