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 report on the 20 HP Car 9-G-3, detailing performance of its steering, hydraulic dampers, and petrol gauge.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 57\1\ Scan280 | |
| Date | 30th December 1926 | |
| COPY FOR Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM.. B.J. B.J. Copy to:- R.N. O. {Mr Oldham} 20 H.P. CAR 9-G-3. I have now had the opportunity of a test of the above car which is fitted with the latest pattern steering, 5¼" tyres at 35 lbs pressure, hydraulic dampers front and rear and the engine has slight modifications in piston design. The steering was very free and under the conditions tested, remarkably free from joggle, whilst the directional control was quite positive. I found, however, that a little more friction would have been an advantage. On two occasions when decelerating from high speeds and what felt like an incipient high speed wobble, was felt at about 55 m.p.h. and downwards to perhaps 45. There appears ample room for rather more friction which might completely damp out this effect which is likely to increase with the lessened friction due to wear and the production of slight clearances at various joints from the same cause. The hydraulic shock dampers are not as successful in this particular car as they have been found in others. The back axle had a tendency to jagger badly if the car was braked firmly at any time on anything but a dead smooth road. This tendency decreased when the back was loaded up, viz with two passengers and some luggage it was practically absent and the riding and control was pretty good. The front shock dampers were very effective and held the front axle remarkably well whilst still permitting easy riding. The petrol level gauge on the dash board worked very well indeed, but its readings do not appear to be correct. It is understood that the zero datum of this gauge starts with one gallon in the tank. If this is so it should surely be calibrated accordingly. It is also noted that the reading will vary by some 10% according to whether petrol or benzol may be in use. The oval frame to the indicator of this gauge is thought to be very ugly and if it should be | ||