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 report on car model 32-EX after 15,000 miles, evaluating various components in London traffic.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0323 | |
| Date | 13th September 1937 | |
| DG. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} DH.{D. Henderson - Showroom} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} LA.{L. A. Archer} Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}6/G.13.9.37. 300a TEST OF 32-EX. IN LONDON AFTER 15,000 MILES. --------------------------------------- The car was run 330 miles in London traffic and tried by Br, Messervy and JLE{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} with a view to convincing them that quiet operation of valve mechanism can be obtained under all running and starting conditions without the use of hydraulic tappets. On return to W. the car was also tried by Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} and LA.{L. A. Archer}, and appreciating the several advantages of the system as fitted to 32-EX, they have unanimously agreed to the deletion of hydraulic tappets. It is considered advisable to confirm the results obtained on 32-EX, by fitting up the same scheme on other cars as soon as possible. Lightened type R.R. Clutch. This was rather disappointing owing to the marked tendency to grab at the final instant of 'take-up'. Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} and JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} did not comment on this feature. Lewis who accompanied me had great difficulty in making a nice 'get-away' in traffic conditions. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} and LA.{L. A. Archer} considered the clutch required too much concentration to avoid "grabbing" and criticised the large amount of apparently useless pedal travel. Brakes. Very effective and silent in operation. Petrol System. High pressure pump in frame only. No trouble was experienced with petrol system. Pump quiet in operation. Gear Box. Continuous gears are noisy and are not up to present production standard. This was reported on by Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} at the beginning | ||