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).
Test drive results and issues for Chassis No. 12-AU.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\3\ scan0281 | |
| Date | 16th January 1925 | |
| CWB1/AP/16.1.25. S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from CWB. Re:- Chassis No. 12-AU. Your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG.13.1.25 received. I have tested this car on its return and agree with your memorandum above. I found a very distinct improvement riding in the back of the car, particularly as regards the vibrations which were formerly felt round about 20 and 30 m.p.h. on the floorboards etc, also the groaning noise in the rear seats. As regards the front seats there are, as you mention, noticeable booms both on top speed and on third, those round about 20 and 30 m.p.h., those on third speed being at a slightly higher speed than those on top, which would appear to point to the source of the trouble being in the engine and approximately corresponding on top and in third speed owing to the gear ratio being very nearly 2/3. Your remarks re the tendency for the engine to thud on magneto ignition are noted and this was definitely observed. This tendency must be dealt with by manipulation in driving for the present. It was noticeable that while the period on top gear, both at 20 and at 30, could be distinguished in the back seats, it was very difficult to pick up those on third gear, and also that the trouble, was not present on the over-run. Under the circumstances you mention with regard to the engine, it is proposed to put this car into service as a Demonstration car, in which the engine will be replaced as soon as one is available for the purpose. CWB. | ||