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).
Daily report on the testing of the Paulin Bentley II car at Montlhéry, including tyre changes, speed runs, and lighting adjustments.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\3\ scan0190 | |
| Date | 14th February 1939 | |
| To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe} 1379 Levallois. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe}2/JAB.14.2.39. DAILY REPORT. Paulin Bentley II.- B-27-LE. Car driven to Montlhéry by Mr.G. Eyston. Tyres changed for 6.00 x 19" track racing and tested for a few laps by Sr. O.S.F.tyre touching lightly on wing iron, filed to clear, but decided safest to fit 5.50 x 18" Road Racing tyres. Fuel measured and checked by an Official and one hour run started. Speed dropped to 168 KPH. after about ten laps. Voluntary stop made by Sr. due to oil temperature of 145°c. Cold air intake funnel removed from front and pipe placed at right angles. Front vent in cowling opened up and fuel in tank checked again. One hour run started and continued to run very regular for a few minutes over the hour. Official average for the hour with flying start 172.873 KPH. 107.42 MPH. Official best lap speed during the hour....... 175.74 KPH. 109.2 MPH. Maximum oil Temp. 135°c stabilised at 130°c Fuel checked at 25L/100 for the hour by Official. Cold air intake funnel and track tyres tested for maximum speed. Very little improvement recorded best lap speed 110 MPH. Practically no gain has been made with the smooth track racing tyres even with 6.00 x 19" fitted front and rear. Car was then tested by Mr. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Eyston and lamps altered for night driving. Road and track circuit tried in the dark and satisfaction expressed by Mr. Eyston. with existing headlamps fitted with white bulbs 110 c.p. These bulbs are forbidden in France. Original bulbs were yellow and 72 c.p. Mr. Eyston suggested that all essential instruments should be grouped under the steering wheel and in front of the driver. Centre lamp to be wired seperately and headlamps to have seperate fuses. Car returned to Rue Gide Depot. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GR.{George Ratcliffe} [Signature] | ||