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).
The performance and features of the Bentley Mark V and its Corniche version.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0060 | |
| Date | 11th December 1940 guessed | |
| BENTLEY CARS - 1941. More particulars are now available regarding the new Bentley, illustrated in our issue of December 4th. The Mark V.{VIENNA}, or new standard car, was credited with a top speed of 85 - 90 m.p.h. This actually, is incorrect as this car has the same top speed performance as previous 4¼ litre Bentleys, which can reach 97 - 100 m.p.h. under favourable conditions. The prototype Mark V.{VIENNA} was actually timed to exceed 97 m.p.h. on several occasions on the German motor road, during its continental tests. It has been possible to maintain this performance and yet increase passenger and luggage accommodation because, as was pointed out in our article, the wheel base has been decreased from 10 ft. 6 ins. to 10 ft. 4 ins. Prototype Mark V.{VIENNA} cars have now covered well over 250,000 miles in the hands of all types of driver, and it has been established that in every case, the average speed maintained has been better than that achieved on the previous series of 4¼ litre Bentleys, due to the improved handling and road holding. The Corniche version of the Bentley V.{VIENNA} has been specifically produced for Continental touring and for the enthusiast who puts performance first. Speeds above 100 m.p.h. cannot be maintained for more than the briefest period in England, and therefore to gear a car for such speeds detracts from its desirability for the average English owner. The general lay-out of the Corniche is based on the results obtained from the 4¼ litre car that covered 114½ miles in the hour at Brooklands, driven by George Eyston. - Continued - | ||