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).
The results of a 15,000-mile test of a Bentley in France, focusing on frame improvements and overall condition.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0052 | |
| Date | 7th February 1939 | |
| 400b SECRET. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}6/MH.{M. Huckerby}7.2.39. 15,000 MILES BENTLEY IN FRANCE. We tried this car before and after welding the frame. There is no doubt that in its initial state there was too much movement of the front wings and lamps, and that welding the frame reduced this to a minimum. Considering the car has now covered more than 33,000 miles it is in remarkably good condition. It is in every way an infinitely more desirable motor car than the present standard "M" series Bentley, except with regard to the gear box which is not, of course, representative of the best we can do with this particular design. We are not entirely satisfied with the steering; it is very good, but we believe that we can improve it. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||