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 drive report comparing an Open Bentley to a 40/50 Continental, detailing performance and criticisms.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan275 | |
| Date | 17th July 1933 | |
| S/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Mr. H.C. (crossed out) A.G.C. c. " " Mr. P.H.Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} (crossed out) Handwritten notes: X7120 17/7/33 Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Re- Open Bentley. I had the opportunity of once again trying this car on Saturday after the troubles of the previous week had been rectified, and I can only say that I have not had a more delightful drive for a very long time. Of its type it is a most fascinating car to handle and has a performance which cannot fail to thrill all those who are likely to be interested in a fast open car. A conclusion that I rapidly came to is that the 40/50 will have to look to its laurels and take another step forward if it is not to be outclassed in many peoples' opinion by this remarkable new Bentley. I say this because the Bentley is definitely superior in some respects. I certainly found the steering much more pleasing, and this was confirmed by getting immediately on to the 40/50 Continental and driving it and getting the contrast at once. The acceleration I imagine to be considerably better than the Continental, and whilst one appreciates that it is a lighter car it has also less horsepower. The Bentley reached 50 m.p.h. from 10 m.p.h. using the gearbox in 25 2/5ths secs, which I thought was a very remarkable performance. It also reached 70 m.p.h. from a standing start using 2nd and 3rd gears only in 21 2/5ths secs. It also reached 80 m.p.h. from 10 m.p.h. using 2nd and 3rd gears in 18 3/5ths secs with three passengers including the driver. I also thought the springing was extraordinarily good at all speeds both in front and in the back seats. Now to deal with criticisms. (1) When the car arrived at Lille Hall from W. I was informed that it took a gallon of water to bring it up to the correct level. I ran it just over 200 miles, on the whole averaging a high speed but it did not require any water after that journey neither did it after it had been driven to Newhaven and back on Sunday. (2) I noticed that the gauges on the instrument board for petrol, water temperature, oil pressure and ammeter have R-R on them, but no doubt you will arrange for these to have Bentley substituted. (3) The pedal for the central oil system is in a dangerous position and the passenger beside the driver is very likely | ||