Disconcerting results from a 10,000-mile test of the 'SS' model, highlighting various mechanical faults.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page176 | |
| Date | 9th April 1929 | |
| To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} copy to C. copy to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} re "SS {S. Smith} ". 10,000 Miles' Test. I understand that 22-EX is the sample of what the Works propose to build. If this is correct, it is rather disconcerting to read some of the reports, and in particular I would refer to the one dated the 29th ult., wherein amongst other things the tester refers to: A bad oil leak from the rear of the engine and nut worked loose; Engine period 45 MPH, spring drive rattle at 25 MPH, engine very rough over 60 MPH and worse on the overrun, Steering fair, inclined to joggle and snatch, varies according to conditions on road. Apparently there is still trouble with the starter motor as it says that it failed, and various other points all of which you have doubtless already seen. I should be glad to have your comments in regard to this. Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||
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).