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).
Comparing the smoothness and running characteristics of an 8-litre Bentley.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan186 | |
| Date | 11th May 1931 | |
| FROM E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Copy to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E3/M/11.5.31. 83805- 8 LITRE BENTLEY. I do not agree with DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} and EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} that the 8 litre Bentley does not approach RR. as regards smoothness of running. So far as I know EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has never tried one and DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} has only been taken once round Brooklands at 90 MPH. in one. When PN.{Mr Northey} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} tried Mr. W.O. Bentley's 8 litre fitted with a small panelled saloon the general impression was that this car was very like the RR. for quietness and smoothness. It is not free from radiator shimmy and torque reaction at low speeds, and also the springing was inclined to pitch, but the general effect was quite the reverse of what one expects from a sporting car. There is no reason that can be seen why this car should be rough. The compression is not high and the general design of the engine mounting and chassis is very like P. I. We are not of course aware how this car behaves when fitted with large coachbuilt saloons such as the majority of our customers favour. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||