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).
Experimental modifications and performance testing of the Embiricos car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0318 | |
| Date | 8th July 1941 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/ET.8.7.41 - 2 - Mr. Embiricos very kindly agreed to lend us the car for experimental work, and we carried out a few minor modifications to improve the power output of the engine and make the gear ratios more suitable for high speeds. When the modifications were complete, the car could be driven without excessive pinking on any No.1 petrol available in England, and was free from detonation on Ethyl or any other premium spirit. The car was fitted with 6.5 x 19 tyres and geared to give the following road speeds at 4000 engine R.P.M.:- Overdrive = 127 ½ M.P.H. Direct = 108 " 2nd speed = 72 " 1st speed = 45 ½ " The body was very light and the high first gear seemed quite practicable for starting and hill climbing. The car was so fast, tractable and economical that an extended Continental tour was arranged, to demonstrate these virtues to representatives of the Technical Press. The car averaged 110 M.P.H. for 5 miles over German roads, under favourable conditions. It also gave the following consumptions at constant speed on the Autobahnen:- 40 M.P.H. = 32 M.P.G. 60 " = 26 " 80 " = 21 " 90 " = 17 " To demonstrate that, in making this vehicle suitable for the German Motor Roads it had not been spoilt for ordinary high speed touring, some stretches were timed on the French roads between Paris and Metz. From Montmirail to Châlons-sur-Marne was covered at an average speed of 76 M.P.H. 60 M.P.H. was averaged over the 180 miles from Paris to Metz. At the conclusion of these road tests, the car was taken to Montlhéry and covered 107 miles in one hour, the fastest lap being just over 110 M.P.H. These results were interesting and a few more modifications were made to the power plant. George Eyston then took the car round Brooklands and covered 114 M.P.H. in the Hour. | ||