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 and engine smoothness analysis of a Graham Paige car, with comparisons to other contemporary vehicles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 24\5\ Scan290 | |
| Date | 22th July 1930 | |
| -2- GRAHAM PAIGE CONTD. He/RL.S./M.J. 22.7.30. The maximum lap speed of 71.66 M.P.H. is excellent and is made possible by the silent third which allows a top gear ratio of 3.643 - 1. The acceleration, as will be seen from the curves, is quite useful in top and very good indeed on the silent third. The most remarkable feature of the car is its engine smoothness. This, after 6,000 miles, was as good as any engine we have tried throughout the whole range, forward and over-run. Even at 55 M.P.H. on the silent third it shewed no signs of distress. Neither the MARMON, the PIERCE ARROW, or the STUTZ can be said to shew any advantage in smoothness over this particular unit and it forces one to the conclusion that up to a 4,500 c.c. engine at any rate, at present there is no justification for departing from the 6 cylinder. This engine had the usual massive crankcase top half and cylinder block casting combined in cast iron, and one is forced to the conclusion that this must have some bearing on engine smoothness, because the CHRYSLER had a similar construction. The CHRYSLER lost some of its smoothness after 10,000 miles but presumably this would have been regained had the bearings been taken up. We consider that this GRAHAM PAIGE was smoother than any CHRYSLER we have tried. The engine was fitted with an outside slipper wheel. It detonated quite badly if full throttle at low speeds was used. The consumption was excellent, about 18 M.P.G. at 40 M.P.H. GEAR-BOX. - The silent third was very good indeed. Unfortunately the change is not absolutely fool proof and this | ||