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).
Feedback on a Bentley's steering wheel, controls, tyres, weight, and performance potential.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page088 | |
| Date | 13th November 1933 | |
| - 2 - E.1/HP.13.11.33. --------------- We notice Lord Howe's remarks with regard to the steering wheel. Personally I have not formed a very favourable opinion of the spring wheel we use on any of the Bentleys and I think we should try some alternatives. With regard to the controls on the steering column, these need never be touched once they have been set to the correct position with the engine warmed up, that is, with the exception of the dimmer switch, and hence there need not be any confusion when driving once the driver has become accustomed to the controls. With regard to the dimmer switch, I fully agree that the foot pedal is better and have always advocated this method of dimming for fast driving at night. There are however many people on the other hand who prefer the dimmer switch on the steering column, and this position is almost universal. In connection with tyres, it is now established that either India or Dunlop may be fitted. With regard to the weight of the car, the Bentley tried by Lord Howe B.1.AK with Van den Plas open touring body is over 1 1/2 cwts heavier than 4.B.4. Park Ward open sports experimental car, but even so it does not exceed 30 cwts total weight. In conclusion we should agree that this car would stand a very good chance in such an event as the Alpine 6 days trial, but not in any Italian race such as the Mille Miglia in which it would be definitely up against supercharged racing cars. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||