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).
Arrangements and conditions for a 10,000-mile test on the 'SS' model, referencing a previous fatal accident.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page014 | |
| Date | 17th December 1928 | |
| WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X5840c Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/LG17.12.28. 10,000 MILES TEST ON 'SS{S. Smith}'. BJ2/E10.12.28. X7941 We attach herewith a schedule of running for the 'SS{S. Smith}' 18-EX and the new 20 HP. 14-G-4. There is no reason why Sales Officials should not ride in the car as long as they make their arrangements to fit in with the schedule of running. There is one condition the Testers asked for, and I agreed to before they went to France, that is, that they shall not be asked to ride in the car when Sales Officials are driving it. The reason for this is that they have not yet forgotten that on the last occasion Sales took over the 10,000 miles test car, one of their pals lost his life and the car was wrecked. We strongly recommend that the 10,000 miles test is allowed to run through without interference until the conclusion of the test. It is going to be very difficult to get through the mileage when due allowance is made for bad weather. As regards the second chassis. We expect to have two more cars fitted with bodies at the end of this year. Arrangements can then be made for Sales to try either or both of these cars. If necessary they can be taken to France. As regards the last para, in which it is stated that no new part can be fitted to the car unless it re-starts another 10,000 miles test. This is an entirely new condition which has been imposed on this test and is different to anything we have done previously. For instance, to re-start the test owing to having to change the sparking plugs, would be ridiculous. We suggest, what is intended is that if changes are made contd :- | ||