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).
Vehicle performance evaluation report on various mechanical components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0156 | |
| Date | 15th April 1939 | |
| - 2 - Clutch. Good in operation, giving smooth take up Gearbox. Noisy on indirect gears. Synchro mesh operation unsatisfactory. Transmission. Propellor shaft vibration 55-60 M.P.H. Varies in intensity with rear spring deflection. Should be overcome by attending to transmission alignment as on Wraith. Steering. Very good. Light and directional. Reactions on steering wheel complained of on last run in December are now absent. This improvement has been effected by giving more "sponge" which necessitates slightly more wheel movement. Further investigation is being made to determine whether less sponge will give a reasonable compromise. Controls and horn button rattle on cobble roads Suspension. The ride is very good. Trouble has been experienced due to loss of oil from dampers. Front end movement is now quite normal. The previous criticism made of excessive movement has been overcome by welding front end of frame. Car comes down on front buffers more frequently than is desirable. To some extent this is due to the fact that it can be driven fast over indifferent road surfaces. Brakes. Efficient and quiet in operation. Require more pedal pressure than is usual on our other models. This feature would be adversely criticised. (continued) | ||