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 report and technical evaluation of a Century Buick, comparing it to the Wraith.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\3\ scan0077 | |
| Date | 14th February 1939 | |
| S/W Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1049 Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. to C. C. " Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. " RV C. " Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}2/KW14.2.39. Dict.13.2.39. I tried the Century Buick this morning, and it left me with the impression that as things are to-day it puts our cars to shame as regards acceleration, with particular reference of course to the Wraith. It certainly is impressive from the point of view of its power, acceleration and speed. It quickly runs up to 90, and could obviously be coaxed up to a higher reading with down grades and a following wind, but I shut off at 90, because the engine is still probably fairly tight. It struck me as being an engine which could usefully deal with an overdrive with probable benefits to its working parts. The car did not seem very stable at the higher speeds, it seemd a little uncertain of its course, but on the whole a car which could not fail to impress anyone being given a demonstration run. The wheelbase is only that of the Bentley, 10'6". It has no built-in jacking system, and no radio and no centralised lubrication, only a system of grouped nipples. A detailed specification which I possess quotes that it develops 141 horse-power at 3600 r.p.m. The top gear ratio is apparently 3.9 to 1. At the Show I noticed claims for its independent suspension to all four wheels, but that is not quite correct, as it has a normal back axle although the springs are of the coil type and not leaf springs. The remote control of the gearbox by a lever on the steering column seems handy and effective. (cont) | ||