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).
Rushed inspection report on a Fiat car, model X4133.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M21\ img003 | |
| Date | 25th May 1922 | |
| To C.J. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to B.J. c. to Hop. c. to C.H. RECEIVED MAY 25 1922 MISC . OP - FIAT + (R) SWALLOW PEREGRINE I R3/4123.5.22. RE. 10.J. FIAT CAR. RUSHED INSPECTION. X4133 (1) The locked ignition does not prevent the engine from being started (by the handle) and taken away. (2) The steering wheel is all metal, merely black japanned like a bicycle, and part of which is already chipped. (3) The steering column is carried in a running fit in which passes the throttle control. (4) The clutch is multiple plate and fairly good except it is reported it holds on when hot. (5) The instruction book is worth studying especially with reference to the care demanded of the brakes. (6) Dash-lamp socket does not prevent the water from getting in. (7) The throttle cannot be opened fully at slow speed without the car faltering. The system appears to be Claudel-Hobson, or even more crude. (8) The torque control of the back axle shews the shuddering effect of this form of control when brakes are applied. (9) The footbrake at present although the car has been but little used, wants readjustment, and there seems to be insufficient facilities for doing this. (cast iron shoes one thinks.) (10) The accelerator pedal is in a most uncomfortable position, and very difficult to operate. (11) The front road springs are 6" shorter than those to be adopted for "Peregrine", and the rear road springs nearly (1) | ||