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 on a Paulin Bentley, detailing its performance, handling issues, and body observations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161\1\ scan0230 | |
| Date | 19th October 1938 | |
| 1380 To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} SP.{Mr Spinney} CHATEAUROUX. 2/ 19.10.38. PAULIN BENTLEY. As requested I tried this car on Monday before leaving Paris. I was most impressed by the ease with which 95 m.p.h. could be reached and maintained. It would appear that for absolute maximum speed an even higher gear ratio is required. The reluctance of the car to slow down owing to the reduced drag is very marked. I experienced a bad front axle tramp while braking at 90 m.p.h., and at lower speeds on bumpy corners, a milder form of tramp was experienced. This is no doubt due to the central mounting of the radiator and wings and deletion of the stabiliser bumper bar. The body was good for wind noises and remarkably quiet in this respect at 50 - 60 m.p.h., giving the impression of a far lower speed. The window winders are very badly placed right against the elbows. The radio set was too close to the clutch pedal. The scuttle creaked and the back edge of the nearside door window frame was inclined to flutter. No driving mirror was fitted. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Ivan M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Waller. | ||