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).
First-hand account and test drive report of the No.2 Bentley, comparing it to the 20/25 HP model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page324 | |
| Date | 9th June 1933 | |
| COPY Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to C. LHS{Lord Herbert Scott}10/CP9.6.33. I went out this morning with W.O.B. on No.2 Bentley. It was the first time I had seen a complete Bentley Car as I was laid up when No.1 came through London and I had only seen the chassis at the Works. The general appearance does not give the impression of much distinction - I rather think that one of the criticisms might be that the bonnet is too flat and the radiator a little too squat which to my mind prevents the appearance of speed. I should imagine that this defect could very easily be remedied if this impression meets with the general opinion. The riding of the car is excellent - I had only the experience of the front seat but I should imagine from the general impression I received that the back seat was equally comfortable to ride in. The acceleration struck me as remarkable and the gearbox is certainly one of the greatest advancements we have ever made. It is difficult for the passenger to differentiate between top and third and the second seems to be remarkably silent. The brakes are also a considerable feature of this car. One point which is absent from No.2 Bentley is lack of high speeds; somewhere round about 80 seems to be about the highest speed that can be obtainable, but this is, no doubt, due to some mechanical defect which can be put right at Derby as I understand that No.1 Bentley was considerably faster at high speeds. Of course, the questions crosses ones mind how this remarkable car compares with the 20/25 H.P. Rolls-Royce and there is no getting away from it that the Bentley proves distinctly a Rolls-Royce design, but I think if the high speed is obtainable even at the sacrifice of a little more noise from the engine, it will not affect the 20/25 H.P. sales to any serious degree because it will cater more for the young speed merchant than the 20/25 H.P. does. However, I should again like to emphasize the first point I made about general appearance, which I think should be very carefully considered before the order is given for radiators and bonnets etc. - 1 - | ||