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 findings for experimental cars 34-EX and 35-EX, noting performance issues and improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\3\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 30th December 1935 | |
| X 360 [Handwritten] Mr. Please note + return [Handwritten] Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [Handwritten Signature] [Handwritten] Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}2/KW30.12.35. S/W. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. " Cs. re 35-EX. [Handwritten] Wyman What have we in view? We find this car, with one exception, a definite improvement on 34-EX, and are very glad to have it instead of the latter car. [Handwritten] Noted Hives The exception is that it is very difficult to start from cold and we have had a great deal of trouble in that respect. We are checking over the plugs, ignition and all sundry contributing causes without attempting to make any modification to the carburation system, and if you can send us by return any instructions which will help us to overcome this starting from cold difficulty we should like to have them very quickly. When warm the engine starts up perfectly. We anticipate being able to hand over 34-EX probably by the end of this week, when I believe it was your intention to have some attention given to the body mounting at Park Ward's before the car comes back to you for further experimental work. Please let us know if you wish us to send the car to Park Ward when we definitely release it, or whether you wish to have it back first at W. to get some impressions of it in its present state. Dealing firstly with 35-EX, we find the exhaust note at 30 m.p.h. or thereabouts very audible. We also find that - The riding at slow speeds is harsher than what we have been accustomed to before ; There is a definite rough patch in the engine at and around 50 m.p.h.,both pulling and on the overrun; There is a characteristic increase of engine noise at 60 m.p.h. and over; The instrument board lighting is still not, in our opinion, satisfactory. We are not sure that there has been any alteration made in the instrument board lighting yet of this car, although we understand that you will be able to give us an improvement in this respect. Perhaps you would kindly let us know whether there has, or has not been, any change made in the illumination of the instruments of this particular car. | ||