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).
Road test review for a 30 HP Ford V8 Saloon de Luxe from 'The Autocar' magazine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\3\ scan0106 | |
| Date | 12th May 1939 | |
| 802 The Autocar May 12th, 1939. "The Autocar" Road Tests DATA FOR THE DRIVER 12-5-39 30 H.P. FORD V8 SALOON DE LUXE PRICE, with four-door saloon de luxe body, £280. Tax, £22 10s. RATING: 30 h.p., eight cylinders, s.v., 77.78 x 95.25 mm., 3,622 c.c. WEIGHT, without passengers, 27 cwt. 3 qr. 5 lb. LB. PER C.C.: 0.86. TYRE SIZE: 6.00 x 16in. on bolt-on steel disc wheels. LIGHTING SET: 6-volt. Automatic voltage control. TANK CAPACITY: 12 gallons; approx. normal fuel consumption, 17-20 m.p.g. TURNING CIRCLE: (L. and R.{Sir Henry Royce}): 40ft. GROUND CLEARANCE: 8 1/4in. ACCELERATION Overall gear ratios. From steady m.p.h. of 10 to 30 20 to 40 30 to 50 4.11 to 1 7.6 sec. 8.6 sec. 8.7 sec. 6.59 to 1 4.6 sec. 5.6 sec. 6.8 sec. 11.59 to 1 3.8 sec. From rest to 30 m.p.h. through gears ... 4.9 sec. To 50 m.p.h. through gears 12.2 sec. To 60 m.p.h. through gears 18.2 sec. To 70 m.p.h. through gears 25.7 sec. 25 yards of 1 in 5 gradient from rest ... 4.8 sec. SPEED Mean maximum timed speed over 1/4 mile ... 82.38 m.p.h. Best timed speed over 1/4 mile ... 84.11 Speeds attainable on indirect gears (normal and maximum) :- 1st ... ... 22—38 2nd ... ... 49—65 Speed from rest up 1 in 5 Test Hill (on 1st gear) ... 22.24 BRAKE TEST: Mean stopping distance from 30 m.p.h. (dry concrete), 29.5ft. WEATHER: Dry, cool, bright; wind fresh, N.W. Barometer: 29.55in. Performance figures for acceleration and maximum speed are the means of several runs in opposite directions, with two up. (Latest model described in "The Autocar" of January 20th, 1939.) Dashboard Diagram Labels: Radio, Cigarette Lighter, Throttle, Wipers, Strangler, Panel Light, Lights, Starter Indicators (Plate), Horn, Hand Brake. Gear Shift Diagram: R, 2, 1, 3. test comes to be made than may be supposed from initial experience of the system. Without exerting particularly heavy pedal pressure, the higher speeds, too, are dealt with satisfactorily, confidence being imparted by the retarding power afforded. An average-height driver would prefer to be able to place himself closer to the wheel than is permitted by the range of driving-seat adjustment available. This would not be difficult to arrange. The wheel is at a convenient angle, also spring-spoked and comfortably shaped. There is plenty of room for the feet, and leg room is generous. The hand-brake lever is of the pendant type, under the scuttle, involving a reach forward to pull it on. It holds securely on 1 in 4, where the Ford V8 will restart with great ease. The car tested was upholstered in leather, which is £7 extra as compared with cloth trimming. The one-piece front seat provides comfortable support, and the rear seats are well arranged, having at the centre a folding arm rest, which also forms a useful locker, whilst there is ample leg room. From the driving point of view, again, the instruments are clear to read and well illuminated at night, the intensity of the lighting being adjustable. A cupboard which can be locked is provided in the instrument board, and there is also a corner shelf below. Anti-sun-glare visors are fitted, and the windscreen can be partially opened. The suction-operated wipers work efficiently, though rather noisily and tending to slow up when the throttle pedal is fully opened. A rear window blind is not standard. The head lamps, built into the wings, provide a satisfactory beam, if not a particularly powerful one. The horn note, though effective when loud warning is required, is harsh. Provision is made for easily installing a standard form of wireless set as an extra. Ventilating provision in cold or wet weather is made by a crescent-shaped space left at the forward edge of the front door windows with the glasses raised to the top, and also the quarter-lights are hinged as extractors. The driving mirror view is useful. The luggage compartment is of very large capacity, and the spare wheel is carried vertically in it. The bonnet opens up in one section from the front, and has a safety locking catch. Sufficient access is given to the oil filler—placed centrally at the back of the engine—and to the dipstick. The sparking plugs and ignition units can be reached, and as to valve tappets on Ford cars, these do not require routine adjustment. The engine starts at once, and is ready to work practically straight away from cold, soon showing temperature on the thermometer. FORD Near-side vision is restricted a good deal by the high, wide bonnet, but the immediate forward view is fair for an average-height driver. The V windscreen is not specially deep or wide, but also its pillars are not really thick. Neither wing is seen. C 2 | ||