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 report from 'The Autocar' magazine for an S.S. car, including performance analysis, diagrams, and photos.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\5\ scan0118 | |
| Date | 28th April 1939 | |
| File copy 710 The Autocar April 28th, 1939. "The Autocar" Road Tests [Diagram of car interior and exterior dimensions] Front Track 4'6'' Wheelbase 10'0'' Rear Track 4'6'' Seating dimensions are measured with cushions and squabs uncompressed. When accelerating fairly hard, some pinking is evident below 40 m.p.h., use of the ignition retarding control on the steering wheel being desirable. There is very little trace of 'flutter' or vibration if the engine is made to pick up on top gear from low speeds, though appreciably below 20 m.p.h. it often feels better to have third engaged. As to riding and road holding, there is no harshness about the suspension, and a decidedly bad stretch of surface is taken without undue movement being noticed, but also the lateral stability is good for cornering. As can be said from the experiences of long journeys covered during the present test, with passengers at different times in each of the seats, during a fast run back-seat passengers are not thrown about when cornering, nor do they experience any excessive up-and-down movement. Safe-feeling at High Speed This car feels safely steady when able to reach the eighties, and the steering, quite high-geared at about 2 3/4 turns of the wheel from lock to lock, is firm and accurate. It has decisive caster action at medium and fast speeds, less at low speeds, and does not require any undue attention from the driver in maintaining a course. Slight road-wheel movements are noticeable through it at times, but do not amount to any serious reaction. It is light steering for general driving, requiring more effort for low-speed turning and manoeuvring. The brake system is Girling and the retarding power necessary in a machine of this description is available; light pedal pressure is sufficient on the majority of occasions. A more determined pressure brings the car up sharply in emergency. The remote-control gear lever moves nicely, and there is very good synchromesh on second, third and top. A quick or leisurely change can be made with certainty nearly every time. The gears are satisfactorily quiet and third is nearly indistinguishable from top. A thoroughly well-arranged driving position is one of the assets of the S.S. The big spring-spoked and telescopically adjustable steering wheel is at just the right angle, and a driver can obtain a close-up position that gives complete confidence, helped by excellent vision. There is space for the left foot to rest conveniently, and the throttle pedal is comfortable. The hand-brake lever is thoroughly convenient between the front seats. With the driving seat set farther back the gear lever seems a little far away. Interior finish is first-rate as regards the leather upholstery, the trimming materials, and the polished woodwork extensively employed. The instruments are laid out individually, with matching big-dial rev counter and speedometer; the rim of the steering wheel is apt to cut through the oil-pressure and engine thermometer dials. Cubby-holes with nicely fitting lids are provided in addition to door pockets, and the incidental switches and controls on the instrument board and steering wheel all work well and are easily reached. It is hardly convenient for the driver to use the near-side door. The door handles move lightly, and the doors do not need slamming. For ventilation purposes in wet or cold weather there are handle-controlled pivoting panels in the forward doors. In the back seat a central folding arm-rest is provided in addition to softly upholstered rests, and there are no foot wells in the floor. [Diagram of car side profile dimensions] Overall Height of Car 5'1'' 5'' Seat Adjustment Rear Axle Position head lamps provide a magnificent beam for fast night driving, and auxiliary lamps are also fitted for use in fog. The horn note is melodious yet powerful. A decidedly useful luggage compartment is provided and in its lid{A. J. Lidsey} is an extremely well laid out fitted tool tray, with its own lamp. Jacking is carried out on convenient corner brackets at front and rear. The engine has automatic mixture-enriching for cold starting. It fires at once and is automatically given a fast throttle setting until a certain temperature is reached. It is a neat unit, with an accessible oil filler and dip-stick, whilst the main auxiliaries, including two carburettors, appear to be convenient for attention. The excellent and rare feature of a reserve petrol tap is provided. [Photo of driver's view from inside the car] S.S. Exceptional normal driving vision of the wings is a good feature, and the windscreen is both wide and deep, whilst its pillars are not unduly thick. The broad bonnet cuts somewhat into the near-side view. The steering wheel is well below eye-level. A48 448 | ||