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).
Test drive report evaluating a car's performance, including steering, brakes, clutch, ride, transmission, and petrol pumps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0078 | |
| Date | 6th July 1937 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [Handwritten top middle: 300a] Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Levallois. 6.7.37. 32-EX. I tried this car yesterday from the Hotel de Levallois. The quietness of th engine was equal to the present hydraulic tappet job. Acceleration was good. The first noticeable feature was the road vibrations felt on the steering wheel, which is not noticeable in the present cars. The steering otherwise was light and directional. Brakes. The first application produced an objectionable thump, and the front were not free from this complaint during my run. They were progressive and powerful at the medium speeds. Clutch. [Handwritten left: MARTINDALE AFW] This is the nearest approach to the American clutches that I have tried. The lightness of the pedal was appreciated, and the take up was progressive and smooth. Ride. The riding was fair. I have been trying the 8-cylinder Cadillac which I would say gives a more pleasant ride than the P.III. Transmission. There was a slight transmission clonk when shunting. Petrol Pumps. [Handwritten left: DIXON P/Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}] Waller informed me that the pump on the dashboard, and the one in the frame are coupled up both electrically and for petrol feed, but that the pressure of the push pump holds the valves down on the one on the dash and cuts it out. If this is the case, is not the cufrent flowing through the coil all the time of one pump and may cause heating up. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||