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).
Comparative test drive between car model 30-G-VII and the WXA-37 London Trials Saloon, with initial driver feedback.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\4\ scan0071 | |
| Date | 14th April 1939 | |
| 666 SECRET. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. " BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. " Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. " Mrr. 30-G-VII. C.3/KW14.4.39. I met Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} and Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} at Stamford yesterday, where I was able to try this car between Stamford and Derby. We made some comparative tests for acceleration and speed with WXA-37 the London Trials Saloon without division. Both in acceleration and speed 30-G-VII was definitely superior to our Trials Car, although it had a 7-seater Limousine body - the one which you and I examined in the experimental shops at W. recently - whereas our Trials Car was of the Saloon type as above mentioned. As the experimental Wraith was fitted with a standard Wraith engine, the difference in performance is mostly accounted for by the fact that the car is lighter in weight to the extent of approximately 2 cwts. This is a very satisfactory result, because this lighter weight includes a body of the type which we have always considered one of the heaviest by reason of its roominess, seating capacity, height, etc. 30-G-VII was of course a very delightful car to drive, and in most respects resembled the present Wraith in its charm and general characteristics. It definitely felt a livelier car, and is, I should say, as much superior in performance to our Trials Car as your modified car was when comparative tests were made with it the other day, and of which I sent you a separate report. The only points I could really critise were :- 1. I felt I was sitting more over the pedals, that is to say closer up to them, with the result that driving the car at slow speeds, i.e. with small throttle opening, I found very tiring owing to the acute angle of the foot. I suggested to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} that if the accelerator pedal could go (cont) | ||