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).
Performance report on the engine, radiator, and steering systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 101\4\ scan0159 | |
| Date | 7th January 1936 | |
| -2- Ha/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}7/MA.7.1.36. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Engine. The engine thuds at medium speeds and there was a rough period forward and on the over-run between 40-50 M.P.H. At full throttle 5 M.P.H. on gradients severe vibration was felt throughout the car. The stay from the engine to the front crossmember was not fitted. The acceleration appeared to be sluggish up to 35 M.P.H. above this speed it was good. The maximum speed of the car on the level was approximately 75 M.P.H. On third gear the valves start to bounce at 60 M.P.H. The oil consumption was poor 673.6 M.P.G. Radiator. The average water temperature was 75°C. On two occasions the water rose to 95°C. and would have boiled owing to the shutters not opening. This condition arises when a fast run is made before the water temperature has risen sufficiently to open the shutters prior to the run. The shutters were not the unbalanced type. The condition can arise while travelling through a congested area for a lengthy period, then gaining the open road. Steering. On the general smooth road surfaces there was little reaction from the steering but upon running over wavy surfaces which appeared to be good, severe reaction was felt. This is not a good feature, as one moment the steering is steady, the next moment a severe kick. Generally the steering was very stable and selective, it was very good for fast cornering. We tried it without the front roll bar connected up. On the straight road little difference was noticeable, but cornering, the steering was not so stable due to the roll and side slip of the car. The roll rod gave a very safe feeling under these conditions. | ||