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).
Vehicle performance, a high-speed encounter, and modifications for Bentley and 20/25 HP models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan161 | |
| Date | 27th February 1934 | |
| To: "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}" WORKS. ------------ Y4013 Levallois Sr2/Crn.27.II.34. Many thanks for your memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RmI5/KW. of the 22nd inst. My average of 112 kms per hour should not affect my demand for a higher compression ratio on the Bentley. I have not mentioned to anybody yet that one of the main reasons for having attained such a speed was because of being continually "attacked" by a "Rena Stella" Sports Renault ! Just as soon as I no longer utilized my second and third, up to 4,500 revs., in and out of bends in villages, my friend was on top of me again. This went on over 100 kms. I note your remarks regarding Hall. You will have received our telegram concerning bumper bars and cross members. I am glad to say that the test was conclusive, and I should very much appreciate your letting us know when you will be in a position to let us have three sets of bumper bars and cross-members. One set will be kept for stock, and the others fitted to the following chassis :- B 116 BL Hauvette/Michelin. B 118 BL Spengler (on which we made the test). Would you prefer that I get into touch with "Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}" on the subject, as these customers have been complaining ever since they had their cars. I also find that this modification alters the steering. With regard to your suggestion that a higher compression ratio should be adopted for the 20/25 HP., I heartily agree with you. It is easier to sell a chassis to a customer by explaining to him that he has to use his ignition control, if necessary, rather than pick up on low speeds in top gear, than it would be to explain away the lack of acceleration, which is the case at the present time. All our customers run on "Esso" or "Azur", and, as you know, with these mixtures, it takes quite a lot to make a car "pink". After 10,000 miles, we recommend a "decoke", and I am busy with "VA" getting the cost of this down to a minimum, so that it will be easier for a customer to have this operation carried out at more frequent intervals. .................. | ||