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).
Numbered list of vehicle faults and a concluding summary of its performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\4\ scan0297 | |
| Date | 16th January 1939 | |
| -3- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Wym.{G. Harold Whyman - Experimental Manager}9/JH.16.1.39. There are two other schemes to overcome this trouble (1) Our old type of spring loaded ball joint link, and (2) a scheme using Silentbloc bushes, both of which are of course much more expensive. These two schemes should be examined on the basis of cost. (3) Engine rev counter facia dial fell off due to securing screws working loose. (4) Radio set never functioned satisfactorily and suffered severely from electrical interference. (5) Car heater was not working when we took the car over, and internal shorts were found in the motor. These were corrected and motor was satisfactory afterwards, and the heater was quite O.K. as regards the amount of heat supplied. (6) Gearbox overdrive was noisy and synchro-mesh between top and overdrive ineffective. (7) Although searched for, no noise from rear axle could be detected. (8) Except for some weakness on changing over from starting to main carburetter, we had no trouble from the engine. Starting up from cold was good. (9) Petrol consumption 16.31 m.p.g. Oil consumption 2370 m.p.g. Water consumption Nil. (10) On very bad roads we found it necessary to fit chains to the rear wheels, and with normal care this was all we required. It was noticeable that the French cars with front wheel drive fitted chains to the front wheels only, and nowhere did we see a car fitted with chains on all four wheels. Summary. Although certain outstanding faults need correction before going into production, the B.lll car is infinitely more attractive than the B.ll in every respect, as a motor car for either Continental or British motoring. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/O.L.Whyman. | ||