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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).
Test drive of a 16-cylinder Cadillac, with commentary on its engine, power, steering and gearbox compared to the Phantom II.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 125\1\  scan0050
Date  18th July 1930
  
HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Cg.
Copy to Mor. HY{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EH.

RECEIVED JUL 18 1930

X1729

Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}15/El.7.30

When I was in America and visited Montreal Mr.Jack Fuller, son of Mr.Fuller of Aldred & Co., kindly arranged for a friend of his who owns one of the new 16-cylinder Cadillac's to bring it along for Mr.Hoseason and myself to try.

We went for a run on the car and drove it a certain distance ourselves.

It certainly is very fine in appearance and is, I understand, selling in large numbers, i.e. about 1500 so far this year.

The engine is wonderfully quiet and flexible and free from vibration and torque reaction and runs almost like a turbine.

Nevertheless it would not submit to our very severe test of opening the two throttles fully from 10 miles an hour without the engine detonating, but I do not think that any ordinary user especially in America would use a car in this way, i.e. they expect to change speed.

The power seemed excellent but without being able to make comparative tests, it was difficult to say how it would compare with the Phantom II. I rather think that a Phantom II would outstrip it.

The steering was poor, there being a very distinct tendency to wander at speeds of 50 miles an hour and over.

I am told, however, that this is a trouble which they have overcome and that this was one of the cars which had not yet been dealt with.

In the condition that this car was tried by us I cannot imagine any one driving it at speed with any feeling of safety or pleasure.

The change gear mechanism was what is described as synchro mesh and it was certainly delightful to use. One could change gear at almost any speed from top to second and vice versa (three speeds only) without any skill being required and without any noise.

I am more and more confident that some device of
  
  


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