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).
Vehicle modifications, handling improvements, and performance testing on the Montlhéry track.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\3\ scan0231 | |
| Date | 1st May 1935 | |
| Xwood 25 RUE GIDE LEVALLOIS-PERRET. Seine, France. 1st May 1935. To. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. 5 B IV. We have received the Front Exhaust Silencer Box and Intermediate Pipe. This has been fitted to replace the burnt out pipe. We have obtained a set of rear standard road springs, poundage 876 O.S. 873 N.S. and fitted them to 5 B IV. The riding of the Car has been improved approximately 25%. The control of the Car is definately better. The hitting of the buffers is practically nil. With these improvements the Car does not ride or hold the road as well as the Paris trial's Car, B.I.C.W. This Car has got the Hydraulic Dampers set with a 100 lb. initial load. It rides remarkably smooth and holds the road exceedingly well. The steering is more definate and selective than 5 B IV. 5 B IV is inclined to roll; Sr experienced this especially when cornering. He puts it down to too much weight at the rear, the Body, possibly has a lot to do with it. We have been on the Montlhéry Track with our 5 B IV. and with the trials Car. The following are the lap speeds :- 5 B IV. CUT-OUT CLOSED. Max. revs. ...... 4.350 Oil Temp. ....... 102° Water " ........ 78° Average Lap Speeds 142.448 KPH. - 88.5 MPH. B.I.CW. CUT-OUT CLOSED. Average Lap Speed 140.7 KPH. = 87.4 MPH. | ||