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 an experimental Bentley's 'ride control' system in the company of Mr. George Hancock.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\2\ scan0164 | |
| Date | 9th August 1934 | |
| x45539 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To "GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}" Levallois Sr4/ET.9.8.34 DEALING WITH A TEST CARRIED OUT ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BENTLEY IN THE COMPANY OF Mr. GEORGE HANCOCK -------------------- The first impression I got when taking over this car was an impression of increased acceleration at low speeds. So much for the engine. As regards the "ride control", this does not come up to my expectation, inasmuch as it does not seem to fulfill the job that it was intended for. By this I mean the following: When riding on minimum, the "ride" one gets over uneven pavé is not sufficiently good to make the effect of the control worth the extra expense of having it placed on the chassis. This is putting it strongly, I admit, but I wish to emphasize my point. In the maximum position, undoubtedly the car is delightful to handle in every respect at speed, and it is interesting to note that, when touring, one invariably has to keep the control over on maximum if the BENTLEY feeling of security is to be maintained. When striking uneven pavé one is naturally tempted to reduce the poundage by bringing the control over towards or to the minimum position. At this moment, it can be safely stated that the speed of the car is in the region of 50 to 60 Kms. per hour. This being so, in the minimum position, the whole car seems to "jelly" to such an extent that it is most disagreeable and one immediately brings the control more or less back to maximum, so as to get rid of the tremendous amount of "jellying" that it set up. This applies of course more especially to the wing, lamp and bonnet movement. As regards the effect of the "riding control" for town work, there is no doubt that it is more pleasant for this purpose. Riding about Paris on minimum in the BENTLEY is delightful, although there is no doubt that this minimum position should be increased if all the importance we are to give the "ride control" from a sales basis point of view is to have effect. At the present time, it would seem to me that the springs fitted to chassis have not sufficient buffer clearance and therefore not enough flexibility and that is why, when the poundage on the shock absorbers is reduced to minimum on the "ride control", the ride is still inclined to be a little harsh. | ||