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).
Letter from Geoffrey Smith detailing feedback and criticisms of a Bentley after a Continental trip.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\2\ scan0046 | |
| Date | 2nd October 1934 guessed | |
| -2- I definitely use them. I would add that I had no occasion to adjust the brakes on this Continental trip, save for a turn to the wing nuts of the front brakes. Ground clearance is barely enough when loaded up, for I just fouled quite small obstacles on two or three occasions. The front wing supports seem to want strengthening for they dither noticeably and particularly on bad roads; as a result the wings soon develop rattle. The spare wheel too, does not remain stationary. The clutch on my car is quite good though occasionally it will develop harshness and cause the transmission to judder. A minor point regarding the silencing system; I suggest that the note could be improved both when the cut-out is closed and open. There is a suggestion of a 'tinny' note, due no doubt, to the metal of the expansion chamber, and I am often asked why such pronounced crackles occur when the metal is contracting after a run. This ends my criticisms of the Bentley for actually this trip was the most enjoyable and satisfactory I have ever had with any car, and the Alps are no longer difficult! The gearbox remained silent, the ratios are well chosen, the engine never required attention and used only three quarts of oil and we averaged 18 m.p.g. of petrol on straightaway runs. The radiator took very little water each morning. Everywhere the car was admired, the Airline body too, appealing to Continental motorists. I hope these random impressions may be of some use. Yours sincerely, (Sd) Geoffrey Smith. | ||