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 run report on a Bentley 2-B-LV, detailing performance, consumption, and areas for improvement.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page306 | |
| Date | 7th June 1933 | |
| H.S. Confidential. C. Copy to PN.{Mr Northey} X4853 WOR{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Br/Wyl/US.7.6.33 Ao. Seen. Thanks 16-6-33 WR re Test run and report on Bentley 2-B-LV.? I had the privilege of testing the above car on Saturday last the 3rd. inst for several hundred miles at an average speed of 50.M.P.H. when the petrol consumption was 16-17 M.P.G., Water consumption-Nil and Oil consumption to be so small as to be not measureable. The points that impressed me most favourably were as follows:- 1. BRAKING. Excellent braking power and steadiness when braking under all conditions. 2. GEARS. I considered the gear ratios ideal and the performance on the indirect gears excellent. 3. COOLING SYSTEM. This I considered to be perfect. This car was fitted with the old type S/Ghost thermostat, which at all times maintained a constant temperature of 80 deg.C, in spite of the high air temperature prevailing that day and the constant high speed at which the car was driven. 4. CLUTCH. This was smooth and positive in its action. 5. GENERAL RUNNING. The driving position was ideal and for a sports car I consider the mechanical silence and smooth running was very much above the average, the master crank period not being noticeable until in the region of 4,500 R.P.M. The points which I did not consider to be up to the high standard of the rest of the car's performance were as follows:- 1. BRAKES. Intermittent squeaks from these when applied fiercely. 2. MAX. SPEED. I was unable to exceed 86.M.P.H. on top gear, but had hoped for a 3 figure performance. (Cont) | ||