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 noting chassis and bodywork faults on car 4.B.50.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 111\4\ scan0182 | |
| Date | 11th December 1939 | |
| 800a To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/MH.{M. Huckerby}11.12.39. 4.B.50. The following points were noted about this car:- CHASSIS. (1) The idling and low speed pulling of the engine is worse than any of the 8-cylinders. It is also rather weak getting away from cold. (2) The clutch is not good in reverse. The 2nd. speed was difficult to engage on a number of occasions. (3) The rear road springs are too weak and should be changed. After they have been changed a test should be made for cornering ability. (4) The roll rating of the car feels as if it should be increased. On two occasions there was a definite sign of petrol starvation. (5) The petrol pump and filter should be examined to see that they are 100%. (6) The petrol reserve worked satisfactorily. 15-gallons of petrol were added. (7) Please check up whether the fan is noisier than standard on this car. BODYWORK. (a) Wind noises are extremely bad. (b) Both the Nodraught ventilator flaps and the front windows want attention to make them shut properly. (c) The driving seat is too low. (d) Water comes in in small quantities at the bottom of the windscreen on the offside. (e) The doors are inclined to stick, particularly the nearside front. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||