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 report on a 4.5 Litre Bentley, detailing its performance and handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 21\2\ Scan062 | |
| Date | 12th July 1928 | |
| 43805 CCWM/KW.12.7.28. Copy to Mr. Hives (Derby) 4½ Litre Bentley. Owing to the kindness of Captain Woolf Barnato I had an opportunity last week-end of giving the 4½ Litre Bentley a very thorough test under practically all conditions which are possible in England. This car has a four-cylinder engine, and considering the size of this the flexibility is amazingly good. It will run on top gear down to 8 or 9 miles per hour and start and accelerate without jar from this speed. From about 12 to 20 miles per hour there is a heavy torque reaction vibration which disappears very quickly, and the engine is remarkably smooth up to the maximum speed which I attained, which was 90 miles per hour on the speedometer, which from various indications I estimate to have been really 81 or 82. From about 36 miles per hour and upwards there is a very high frequency low amplitude vibration from the engine, which is not felt to any extent in the car itself, but on the pedals, steering column, etc., it is quite noticeable. The steering wheel is a four spoked wheel, and this is very effective in damping it out from the rim. [handwritten: spring] This high frequency vibration does not increase greatly in intensity, and is equally marked on the over-run as under power. The steering and general controlability of the car are ~~extremely~~ good. [handwritten: Extremely] It reminds one of nothing so much as a Lancia-Lambda car with a much more powerful engine in it. At all speeds the steering is reversible, and practically entirely free from road shock. It appears to be slightly higher geared than our present 20, and is absolutely direct in its control. There does not feel to be any elasticity between the steering wheel and the front wheels themselves. At the highest speeds it is possible to drive the car within an inch of a desired line or spot. Tyres are Dunlop 5½" medium pressure - unfortunately I was unable to check the pressures | ||