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 report detailing unsatisfactory features of a Phantom III production chassis after 350 miles of road testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0258 | |
| Date | 27th April 1936 | |
| Handwritten top left: vor Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} EH Sft.{Mr Swift} C-FRY Pall testers from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Handwritten top right: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X300 LS SJH J AFM{Anthony F. Martindale} Suds EH Typed Document: PHANTOM III PRODUCTION CHASSIS The first chassis on test has proved in the main to be quite good. In order to get experience we have run it up to the moment, about 350 miles on the road. The principle features which are unsatisfactory are :- (1) Steering. This has definitely deteriorated, and the amount of joggling which comes on at medium speeds on average roads is very tiring, and we cannot consider despatching chassis with steerings in this condition. (2) Clutch. This started out fairly good for freedom from "judder" when engaging. It is now rather bad for this feature, particularly when reversing. Further, it does not stop. We understand that the first supply of plates are out of truth and this will account for the clutch not stopping, and they are not fitted with the Hyco material which is recommended. (3) Carburation. This is unsatisfactory with the temporary carburetter as fitted on the chassis, we cannot get more than 60 to 70 miles an hour owing to starvation. (4) Gear Box. The forward side of the first gear is very noisy indeed and could not be accepted as a standard. The overrun of the reverse gear is similar and we hope it will be possible to improve this also. contd- | ||