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).
Test drive and performance impressions of car 202-AJS.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan325 | |
| Date | 25th May 1931 | |
| May 25, 1931. To: Mr. Ross Co- Mr. Burton From: Mr. Caswell Re: : 202-AJS. On Sunday I delivered this car to New York which brings its total mileage to something over 400 and being alone this time had an opportunity to more carefully record my impressions. In starting up the engine, one is very favorably impressed by its smooth action and the manner in which it instantly settles down to quiet running so that an excuse such as "wait until the oil has a chance to get to the tappets, etc" is unnecessary. Clutch and Gear Shift. After starting the engine, this was the next item claiming attention and in comparison with the PI's the change speed lever felt hard and harsh due, perhaps, to its rigidity and length. Also, the travel is shorter and the gears clash sooner unless the operation is nicely timed. This, of course, is a matter that will be overcome by use and skill and is mentioned chiefly because it is so different from what we have been used to. The clutch was and is excellent, and appeared to stop in about the right time, on the slow side if anything. Power and Get-Away. Unless one makes use of the gears, most of the cars on the road will get away sooner and in traffic, such as is met with on any open road, one is very soon left behind. If the 3rd gear is used to its full advantage, there are not many cars that could beat it. If we are to compete with the average American car in "get away", 18" rims instead of 20" will be necessary. Having recently driven cars fitted with Synchro-Mesh and also Free- Wheeling devices, the absence of these advantages in changing gear was very disturbing. | ||