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).
Comparative test report on the steering performance and handling of a 6.5-litre Bentley fitted with balloon tyres.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\S\June1928-August1928\ Scan057 | |
| Date | 28th June 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} c. to CWB. ORIGINAL Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/L028.6.28. 6 1/2 LITRE BENTLEY. X3805 X8774 X3542 By arrangement with Sales, we tried a 6 1/2 litre Bentley. The test was conducted in Cambridgeshire with CWB. and PN.{Mr Northey} We were able to find a two-miles deserted stretch with a bad surface comparable to Continental conditions. The Bentley was a comparatively new car fitted with a closed coachbuilt limousine body. We took 10-EX for comparison with an absolutely standard steering except that the front wheels were 1.75" out of centre point. We always have most difficulty in getting good steerings on light open cars - 10-EX as arranged for the test was as good as a good closed RR. steering. Comparing the main features of the two cars :- STEERING. The Bentley was remarkably interesting. It exhibited practically all the difficulties which we know exist when balloon tyres are fitted to a big car. The front wheels were fitted with balance weights and run at 38 lbs/sq.in. pressure. In spite of this, from about 55 m.p.h. - 70 m.p.h. (by speedometer) the car high speed wobbled not dangerously, but sufficiently violently to make the steering astonishingly uncomfortable. When it wobbled the whole frame twisted. The body was fully isolated and the movement between the scuttle and the dash was quite alarming. The front axle is fitted with shock absorbers of the Hartford type and apparently very strong front springs as | ||