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).
The initial trial and performance of a new 8-Cylinder Rationalised Engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\4\ scan0079 | |
| Date | 29th April 1939 | |
| 666 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}6/R.29.4.39. 8-Cylinder Rationalised Engine. This unit has only been in the chassis for 48 hours, and, therefore, it is unnecessary to point out that there are a number of things which can be criticised in its installation, particularly as this is mainly a mock-up. In particular, it is fitted with an electrically-operated choke which spoils the idling if the car is started up after it has been standing for a few minutes. It is fitted with hydraulic front brakes which are not yet up to their final standard. Our object in asking you to try the car is to see if you are able to confirm our impression that we see no reason why the 8-cylinder engine should not very soon be available for production. We attach a gear ratio curve to enable you to appreciate what the engine is doing. The weight of this car complete is 41 cwts. 1 qr., the weight of the standard P.III Limousine is about 53 cwts. This car has almost exactly a Bentley performance up Ticknall Hill. It is 1 1/2 secs. better than the P.III. Our estimate, from comparison tests on the road, is that it is slightly faster at top speed. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||