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).
Letter detailing a vehicle road test from London to Abbeville, reporting on issues with brakes, power, steering, and clutch.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\3\ scan0359 | |
| Date | 9th February 1924 | |
| Abbeville (France) X9946 9nd Feb. 1924 Mr Hives Exp. Dept. Rolls-Royce Ltd Derby. Dear Sir, I reached London yesterday at about 1 p.m. without incident & subsequently Sandgate, just out-side Folkestone, in the evening. To-day we have come as far as above place - Mr P.N. seems very disappointed with the brakes & also with the power - I have checked the former on arrival - The main shoes seem O.K. The Servo-shoes I have taken up 9 notches on each adjusting screw - if this does not improve matters I will take further steps in Paris - Re-Power I dare not interfere with your own adjustments as made in Derby, unless instructed - I have checked air-valve for freedom, plugs & ignition & found all O.K. Mr P.N. would not get more than 75 m.p.h on a straight good road - He complains also of steering being stiff - Clutch did not disengage properly. i.e. the plate did not stop - I have adjusted same, which is a rather tacky job owing to too small an inspection plate & absence of appropriate spanners for the adjusting screws (wants internal hexagonal spanner) & lock-nuts - Consumption was yesterday 12 & 1/2 miles to the gallon while I drove from Derby to Sandgate. From Boulogne to here 66 miles (via Paris-plage) it has gone to 1 gallon per 11 miles - Mr P.N. says he is not interested in consumption so long as | ||