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 on a Ford V.8 two-seater coupe.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\3\ scan0004 | |
| Date | 7th November 1932 | |
| X3531 S/W Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..from Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} PN.{Mr Northey} Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}1/WT7.11.32. The Ford V.8. This car was driven about 80 miles up the North road and back over some winding roads. The body was a two-seater coupe. This particular car was very bad under 10 or 12 m.p.h. on top gear and did not fire at all evenly, but the acceleration from 15 to 65 m.p.h. was very good indeed, while the acceleration on 2nd gear up to about 50 was quite surprising, and the gears were very quiet. The maximum speed on this car was about 78 on the speed indicator, but this required favourable conditions - and under normal conditions 73 or 74 could be attained. The steering was very good indeed, being entirely free from kick, light and of a convenient gear ratio, while the whole of the front of the car was free from any signs of jelly effect, the wings radiator and lamps were quite free from vibration over bad roads and the car cornered very well indeed and could be driven round sharp corners at surprisingly high speeds and with a great feeling of safety. The engine was smooth and free from any bad periods, but it had rather a crankshaft roar, although taking it all round the silence and smoothness were of quite a high standard, even for a high priced car. The springing was good, except at slow speeds over potholes when it was slightly harsh - at high speeds it was excellent. The engine power output is low, only 65 h.p. is claimed at 3400 R.P.M., but the horse power at low speeds is probably very good, it gives about 25 at 1,000, while the weight of the whole car being only 22 cwts gives it very good acceleration. ※ The enclosed book gives a great deal of ※ Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} has this back for today but it will be sent you tomorrow | ||