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).
Rough notes and feedback from an initial test run of a car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\3\ scan0043 | |
| Date | 19th January 1925 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from BJ. SECRET. SECRET. BJ2/H19.1.25. 44-PK. We have had foggy weather since the Car has been here, and it has been difficult to arrange tests. So far FN., C., CWB., and BJ. have tried it. Today or tomorrow we hope HHS., H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} and Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} will try it. Tomorrow afternoon we are all meeting to discuss the different items. In the meantime the following rough notes which I made during my run yesterday may be of interest to you :- (1) Generally speaking, the car was a disappointment as compared with the last EAC. (2) The engine gave considerably more vibration, but we understand you are not satisfied with this engine and can improve it. (3) The wheel is certainly not in a comfortable position and seems high, but I do not think it will bear being moved back or down much with this body. Careful measurements have been made with regard to body and seating, and a fuller report will be sent to you later. (4) I do not like the low gear steering with the large wheel. In going round a corner one seemed to have to shift one's hands so much to get the wheel round far enough. (5) I noted that when running on battery one cannot charge it would seem that when running on battery is the time one should be able to charge. On the other hand, you may not consider that running on battery is using up sufficient current to warrant re-charging. (6) The lever operating the radiator shutters is not nearly so convenient as that on the 20 HP. One cannot see how far it is open and it is difficult to get at. (7) The instrument board on this type of car is so upright that it is difficult to see the dials. One feels it should be laid back more if possible. It seems doubtful whether placing the thermometer over the oil gauge and ammeter will make the thermometer visible at all. This can only be ascertained by making a sample. (8) The clutch is extremely difficult to manipulate in starting from very low speed or when the car has stopped unless one changes down to a very low gear. It does not seem to slip in nearly so easily as the old clutch. contd :- | ||