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).
The findings from a test drive of a 58-HP Cadillac and a 20/25 Hooper body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0156 | |
| Date | 28th January 1935 | |
| MO. 28th January, 1935. To:- Mr. Ward. From:- Mr. Sparkes. Herewith is a full report of my findings re the 58-HP. Cadillac and the 20/25 Rolls-Royce Hooper body, Cont. type. The party consisting of Mr. Honeyman, Mr. Evans, Mr. Dodd, Mr.Carpenter, Mr. Monday, Mr. Roberts the driver and myself. Starting from Boulogne at 2 o'clock, 23rd January I sat in the rear seat of the Hooper body which has done 30,000 miles and received attention at 20,000, since when it has never been touched. Before starting on its last 10,000 miles, the front doors were fitted with Bedford stops, these appeared to be of little use, I could find no difference in movement of the front and rear doors which were not fitted with these stops. The car, travelling at 60/70 M.P.H. seemed one mass of trembles and squeaks, especially when on the stone sets which sounded like a moving army waggon which caused us to slow down to approximately 35 M.P.H. or less. I personally thought the tyres were too hard, but Mr. Roberts after assured me they were up to standard also the springing seemed harsh, the shock dampers were tried, and when fully applied, aggravated the situation, and when fully released appeared to be the best position and toned the whole noises down somewhat. There was a drum coming from the s.s. roof cover panel which was much too flimsy, the front edge of which was not doubled over, neither had it a stiffen plate attached. This I was informed had blown off a time or two and eventually had been bolted down the same as we do them. Even that was very badly done insomuch as it was standing up above the sliding portion approximately 1/4" at the centre which allowed the wind to get in and escape beneath the back of the slide inside and caused a terrific draught upon the necks of the persons occupying the front seats. This slide was all stuffed with rag to stop rattle and prevent draught from entering. The instrument board had considerable movement which also was causing squeaks, and having put my hand beneath to find the cause, I was able to take a screw out with my fingers which appeared to have sheared off. This I found was the chief cause of this board squeaking and seemed much quieter after. | ||