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).
Article from 'MOTOR SPORT' reviewing a car's performance, featuring an acceleration curve and a photograph.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\2\ scan0174 | |
| Date | 7th April 1932 | |
| feel the “punch” of the individual cylinders when picking up from a low speed. Actually one feels nothing, so cleverly has the engine mounting and vibration damping been arranged, and the flow of power can only be compared to that of an electric motor. In ordinary use even third gear is but little used, although 70 m.p.h. can be reached on it, as owing to the amazing power available, top gear does nearly everything required. To give a full idea of this power the acceleration curve from 10 m.p.h. was taken entirely on top gear, instead of the usual Motor Sport practice of using full revs. on each gear to show the maximum acceleration obtainable. The result is extremely interesting as it shows a performance, using a single gear which is only surpassed by a racing car, and-then only by full use of the gears. From the first moment of taking control of the car, the driver feels absolutely at home. Although it is a large car, it feels small to drive owing to the perfect balance of the controls and steering. The latter is absolutely effortless, free from road shocks, and yet not too low geared, and with a live feel which makes accurate driving and cornering really simple. The road holding is remarkable in its adaption to varying surfaces and speeds, and in its complete freedom from rolling or tail-heaviness when cornering fast. It can be seen from the photographs that the body, which is incidentally mounted on a special subframe, is kept well within the wheelbase, which has a great deal to do with the car's extreme steadiness. The brakes also contribute to the ease of fast driving, being so light to operate that the longest run would never tire the driver, yet without any sigh of fierceness. The pedal actually controls a servo motor mounted on the gearbox which applies the brakes on all wheels, and is equally effective either forwards or backwards. Unlike so many servo systems there is no feeling that the servo is taking charge of the proceedings, and either the fiercest or the most gradual braking can be obtained at will without any particular delicacy or skill on the part of the driver. In open country a speed of 80 m.p.h. is reached in a few seconds and is maintained without any seeming effort on the merest fraction of the full throttle opening. The miles slip by with less fuss than in any other mode of travel we have experienced. Trains rock about, and aircraft, either open or closed, are definitely noisy, but the Rolls wafts one along without either defect. In fact, such a means of transport would soon completely spoil one’s taste for any other, except on the water! The maximum speed was 93 m.p.h. and 90 m.p.h. can be obtained on any reasonable road in perfect comfort and safety. An interesting feature is the engine governor, which is controlled by what on a normal car is the hand throttle lever. This is a useful fitting for getting away from a standstill on a steep mountain climb, obviating if required, the necessity for any cunning with the throttle pedal and hand brake. The conditions of getting away under load were reproduced artificially by applying the hand-brake and engaging third gear. The governor throttle control was then opened till the engine was running at a fast tickover and the clutch let in without touching any other control. Immediately the car surged forward as the governor automatically opened the throttle, and on declutching the engine was ticking over once more. Such a fitting is not essential, but it is just an example of the way this car is fitted with everything that can possibly make motoring more convenient, safe, or enjoyable. It is a cheering thought in these rather pessimistic times to feel that this country can produce such a masterpiece, and there is no doubt that anyone to whom money is not a primary consideration need waste no time considering how to spend his money as far as motoring is concerned. Acceleration curve of the “Continental” Rolls-Royce. From an article by W. S. BRAIDWOOD, B.A., (Mech. Sc.), Cantab., which appeared in “MOTOR SPORT,” on April 7th, 1932. [Handwritten notes] 31.GX Tyres. 32 x 6.75 Today. 31 X 6.75 Gear ratios. may be low 2-3. 1st up | ||