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).
Report comparing a car's performance against a 16-cylinder Cadillac, discussing engine smoothness, ride quality, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\4\ 04-page158 | |
| Date | 22th November 1934 | |
| X5840 hotel de france, Chateauroux. indre. France. To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} A matter of twelve months ago, it was stated that a 16 cylinder Cadillac was to be bought and brought to Derby for the extreme purpose to show our various officials how to make a motor car. It was to be a revelation in springing, engine smoothness and free from rattles, in fact a perfect car. We have had the same said perfect car in France for two weeks running over roads which we know, only too well, have disintegrated and caused endless trouble in steering, springing etc. on our own cars. The Cadillac being what it was claimed to be, rode over the same roads with quietness, no noise from the engine or transmission, never a discomfort to the passenger or shocks to the driver, whether it be good, bad or indifferent conditions of road surfaces. Certain qualities in the car can be criticised. Having thoroughly become used to this quality of fineness, we received 21 G 1V. A pun round on this car was a shock, a revelation to think that in so short a time, what we thought was as near as possible a perfect car, was so utterly different in riding qualities, roughness of engine, jogglon of steering, generally noisy. I certainly would never have believed there could be such a difference. Under such circumstances I reported that 21 G 1V was distressing. I could not honestly say any different. I am not stating that the car was worse or better than when it was here last, and it is possible that under the circumstances, it is the best that can be made of it; but it does not alter the fact that, for quietness, smooth running and springing, it is a long way off the results obtained on the Cadillac. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} considers in his note of the 20.11.34 my remarks uncalled for, and also states that during 21 G 1V's 15,000 miles running here, I was unable to make it into a better car, although I had nothing else to do. In the first place I had three cars here. Secondly I have not got the facilities to modify or material to alter a car. We can only do things on a small scale. The cars are sent out to do their mileage, and should not require to be made into a good car after arrival; exceptions of course, are admitted. G.W.Hancock. G.W.H. | ||