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).
Road test report and specifications for the 30 HP 4-Litre Straight Eight Daimler Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\4\ scan0110 | |
| Date | 14th April 1939 | |
| 622 The Autocar April 14th, 1939. "The Autocar" Road Tests DATA FOR THE DRIVER 14-4-39 30 H.P. 4-LITRE STRAIGHT EIGHT DAIMLER SALOON. PRICE, with four-door four-light sports saloon body, £1,070. Tax, £22 10s. RATING : 29.76 h.p., eight cylinders, o.h.v., 77.47 x 105 mm., 3,960 c.c. WEIGHT, without passengers, 40 cwt. 1 qr. 6 lb. LB. PER C.C. : 1.14. TYRE SIZE : 6.50 x 17in. on centre-locking knock-off wire wheels. LIGHTING SET : 12-volt. Automatic voltage control. TANK CAPACITY : 20 gallons ; approx. normal fuel consumption, 14-17 m.p.g. TURNING CIRCLE : (L. and R.{Sir Henry Royce}) : 43ft. GROUND CLEARANCE : 6in. ACCELERATION Overall gear ratios. From steady m.p.h. of 10 to 30, 20 to 40, 30 to 50 4.86 to 1: 10.4 sec. 10.7 sec. 12.4 sec. 7.33 to 1: 7.2 sec. 7.7 sec. 9.7 sec. 11.12 to 1: 5.8 sec. 19.43 to 1 From rest to 30 m.p.h. through gears ... 7.4 sec. To 50 m.p.h. through gears ... 16.8 sec. To 60 m.p.h. through gears ... 25.0 sec. To 70 m.p.h. through gears ... 37.8 sec. 25 yards of 1 in 5 gradient from rest ... 6.4 sec. SPEED m.p.h. Mean maximum timed speed over ¼ mile ... 80.72 Best timed speed over ¼ mile ... 83.33 Speeds attainable on indirect gears (normal and maximum) :— 1st ... 16—21 2nd ... 31—38 3rd ... 48—61 Speed from rest up 1 in 5 Test Hill (on 1st and 2nd gears) ... 16.92 BRAKE TEST : Mean stopping distance from 30 m.p.h. (dry concrete), 31ft. WEATHER : Showers, cold; wind fresh, N.W. Barometer: 29.50in. Performance figures for acceleration and maximum speed are the means of several runs in opposite directions, with two up. (Latest model described in “The Autocar” of September 23rd, 1938.) Dashboard Diagram Labels: Petrol Reserve, Cigarette Lighter, Panel Light, Wiper, Ignition, Starter, Indicators (Self-Cancelling), Shock Absorbers, Preselector Gear Lever, Lights & Ignition, Loud & Soft Horns, Anti-Dazzle, Hand brake, Gear Positions. powerful retarding effect is obtainable to bring this big and heavy car safely down from high speed, yet at lower speeds the servo does not introduce undue suddenness of braking. The application is light and soft-feeling. Half-elliptic suspension is used for both axles, and a decidedly good compromise has been struck between the stability needed for a fast car and comfort from the point of view of those who set this factor at least as high as performance. Not often is this Daimler noticeably disturbed by variations in road surface—even by a badly filled-in trench, for instance—whilst pitching is conspicuously absent. Again, it has to be a deceptive or an abrupt corner taken at above ordinary speeds which will produce any swaying tendency. An effective pull-and-push control is provided alongside the steering column for the rear hydraulic shock absorbers. A big spring-spoked steering wheel which is telescopically adjustable comes in exactly the right place for confident control. The instruments are mounted fairly high, and are exceptionally clear to read. They include the unusual provision of an engine oil thermometer; the ordinary oil pressure gauge being replaced by a warning lamp. There is also a water thermometer. A most attractive finish is given to the body interior. Both compartments have unobstructed floors, and in the back seat there is a central folding arm-rest. The angle of the whole driving seat can be varied, in addition to the usual fore-and-aft adjustment. A curved panoramic mirror provides a wide view behind, but not for any great distance. Louvres above the door windows allow ventilation without admitting draught or rain. The rear window blind is electrically operated. Two Daimler features are among the most modern points of design—the steering-column gear lever and its to-this-writer changing gear box, leaving the front compartment clear, so that the driver can use either door, and a one-piece bonnet which opens up from the front. As to the latter, a cover comes up to hold the top section, and the sides are instantly removable, giving full access to the engine. It is a neat and extremely well-finished job. It has automatic mixture strangling for firing readily from cold gaining temperature quickly from cold and there are also useful under-bonnet lamps. An excellent provision is a reserve petrol control within easy reach of the driver. The head-lamp beam is first rate, and the two pass-lights to which the anti-dazzle switch transfers from the main lighting system give an excellent beam. In the lid{A. J. Lidsey} of the luggage locker are rubber-lined tool trays under lock and key. Hydraulically operated four-wheel jacks are fitted, and there is automatic chassis lubrication. Image Caption: A bonnet which, though long, is not obstructive, and a wide, deep windscreen are important features. The edge of the near-side wing is seen, and a good deal of the off-side one. The screen pillars are fairly thick, but do not cause excessive “blanking.” A 40 | ||