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).
Road test report on a Bentley's performance during continental touring, including a mountain pass and the Autostrada.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0009 | |
| Date | 14th February 1933 | |
| Copy of Report received from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Dated 14.2.33. BENTLEY. We came over the St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Gotthard yesterday, we got up to about 4500 ft. by fitting chains and had to train the last bit. Second speed repeatedly came out after about 100 yds. full torque. The clearance for the chains appeared to be adequate. We got on the Autostrad from Como to Milan today, 27 miles practically straight, no crossing of any sort, all out as much as you like. We held 92 for a few miles - (c.o. open), little wind, road level, 4250 R.P.M. Air Temp. 9.5°C. Oil temp max. 34°C. Water max. - shutters jammed open. 58°C. If the thermometer is right, therefore, the cooling is more than adequate with the small low speed fan we have fitted and the wide Marston matrix. It would obviously be an advantage to fit a Viscon type of oil cooler. We checked the tappet clearance of the day's run, no valves had taken up excessively - (Running at .003" clnce). The engine continues to run perfectly, and at top speeds is as smooth as could be desired. No signs of plugs pre-igniting or sooting up at low speeds. Oil consumption about 1000 m.p.g. No shock damper has lost a measurable quantity of oil. The brakes have maintained their excellent efficiency. The clutch pedal pressure is rather heavy in traffic but the clutch has shewn no signs of slipping. One minor criticism is that on some of the bad Italian roads the noise from the bonnet rattles and radiator jellying is rather bad, also after a long burst of speed the timing gear rattles are excessive. Really this Bentley is a wonderful car for continental touring. | ||