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).
Road test report for a Frazer Nash-B.M.W. Type 327 Cabriolet from 'The Autocar' magazine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0033 | |
| Date | 14th April 1939 | |
| 626 The Autocar April 14th, 1939. 'The Autocar' Road Tests DATA FOR THE DRIVER 14-4-39 17 H.P. FRAZER NASH-B.M.W. TYPE 327 CABRIOLET. PRICE, with two-door de luxe drop-head cabriolet body, £695. Tax, £12 15s. RATING: 16.2 h.p., six cylinders, o.h.v., 66 x 96 mm., 1,971 c.c. WEIGHT, without passengers, 22 cwt. 0 qr. 13 lb. I.B. PER C.C. : 1.25. TYRE SIZE: 5.50 x 16in. on knock-off perforated pressed-steel wheels. LIGHTING SET: 6-volt. Automatic voltage control. TANK CAPACITY: 12 gallons; approx. normal fuel consumption, 22-25 m.p.g. TURNING CIRCLE: (L. and R.{Sir Henry Royce}): 30ft. GROUND CLEARANCE: 8½in. ACCELERATION Overall gear ratios. From steady m.p.h. of 10 to 30 20 to 40 30 to 50. 3.90 to 1 ... 11.3 sec. 11.6 sec. 5.90 to 1 8.0 sec. 8.3 sec. 8.3 sec. 8.30 to 1 5.3 sec. 5.0 sec. ... 15.00 to 1 From rest to 30 m.p.h. through gears 5.1 sec. To 50 m.p.h. through gears 11.2 sec. To 60 m.p.h. through gears 15.2 sec. To 70 m.p.h. through gears 20.0 sec. 25 yards of 1 in 5 gradient from rest 4.2 sec. SPEED. m.p.h. Mean maximum timed speed over ¼ mile ... 94.00 Best timed speed over ¼ mile ... 96.77 Speeds attainable on indirect gears (normal and maximum): 1st ... 16—21 2nd ... 37—43 3rd ... 61—71 Speed from rest up 1 in 5 Test Hill (on 1st and 2nd gears) ... 22.66 BRAKE TEST: Mean stopping distance from 30 m.p.h. (dry concrete), 30ft. WEATHER: Dry, cold, dull; wind fresh, N.W. Barometer: 30.35in. Performance figures for acceleration and maximum speed are the means of several runs in opposite directions, with two up. (Latest model described in "The Autocar" of March 17th, 1939.) Dashboard Diagram: Indicators (Self Cancelling), Radio, Ignition, Throttle, Hand Brake, Anti Dazzle, Gear Positions (R, 1, 3, 2, 4), Wipers, Starter, Panel Light, Interior Light, Radiator Shutters, Strangler, Lights, Horn, Ignition & Steering Lock, One-Shot Lubrication. is also exceedingly good from the comfort angle. The F.N.-B.M.W. sweeps along steadily and without disturbance of the occupants, almost regardless of the road surface, even, for instance, where resurfacing is in progress and a partly finished rough section is taken. The suspension is independent for the front wheels by a transverse leaf spring, with half-elliptic springs at the rear. The hydraulically operated brakes require only a moderate pedal pressure. The steering, though fairly high geared and therefore “quick,” calling for only three turns of the wheel from lock to lock, is exceptionally light at all times, but not disconcertingly so for fast driving in the hands of a comparative stranger. The clutch, too, is very light to operate. As to driving position, this particular car placed an average-height driver lower in relation to the wheel and windscreen than he normally likes to be. Seating position can readily be arranged to personal taste. The thin-rimmed steering wheel is comfortable. At the rear quarters of the cabriolet body there is inclined to be a blind spot which can be a little awkward at times. The head opens up in a few seconds, and can be folded down neatly and covered with a fabric “envelope,” and then allows a clear view behind. It was singularly free from rattles or flapping of the fabric, although the car tested was definitely not 'new.' In the tail is a luggage compartment reached by pulling forward the back seat squab. The rear seats, if somewhat restricted, are comfortably upholstered. An unusual number of locks is employed, a key being applied, apart from the normal points, to the spare wheel mounting, petrol tank filler, and bonnet. The last-mentioned hinges up in one section from the front, 'staying put' of its own accord and taking the sides with it, thus giving good access to the under-bonnet units. Oil filler and dipstick are convenient; the sparking plugs are between the two valve gear covers and also partially masked by the three carburettors—S.U. on the machine tested. There is a pleasing set of well-finished small tools in a fitted tray, grouped fuses are placed accessibly, and under the bonnet is a reservoir for pedal operated one-shot chassis lubrication. With brief use of the mixture control the engine fires readily, and soon shows water temperature on the thermometer. There is the unique provision to-day of hand-controlled radiator shutters which, intelligently used, can keep the engine at an efficient temperature and also retain heat while the car is standing. A good beam for fast driving is given by the built-in head lamps. Wireless was fitted—an extra at £25. FRAZER NASH B.M.W Comparatively thin windscreen pillars and the view afforded of the off-side wing and near wing lamp are favourable points, but, due to a low seating position, near-side vision was somewhat restricted. The screen frame is indicated with the drop-head lowered. A48 | ||