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 car 33-EX, detailing engine noise, vibration, and clutch performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\3\ scan0055 | |
| Date | 27th January 1936 | |
| X 360 To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}E. re 33-EX. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}22/E27.1.36 Referring to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KW.24.a.36 Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} tried this car for 200 miles on Saturday and I drove it about 130 miles yesterday. Additionally C, Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and I have been out on it again at mid-day to-day. I attach Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}'s report, Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}1/KW27.1.36. I agree with all that he says. I should say that the obtrusiveness of the engine between 50 and 60 is still greater than the V.8 Cadillac which we recently tried, which presumably had not the latest flexible flywheel about which Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} wrote. The low speed 'growl' he refers to at 20 m.p.h. is noticeable when the engine is not pulling at that speed, can be reproduced when the car is standing still if the engine is just run up and is not noticeable, as he says, on 3rd speed, so it certainly looks as if it were an exhaust noise. There is another important point which will bring us complaints if not cured and to which Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} has not drawn attention and that is round about 80 miles pr hour there is a vibration which has the effect of making itself very noticeable on one's ear drums and is distinctly unpleasant. The car is now on its way back. Re the clutch, we note what you say and agree that it is not quite as good as the Long clutch fitted to 35-EX. The reduction in pedal pressure is certainly an improvement. Tyre noise - we agree this is now passable on this car. Detonations - not noticeable on this car. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Enc. Copy of Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}1/KW27.1.36 | ||