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).
Letter providing feedback and comparison on a new 4 1/4 litre car following a trial run.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\5\ scan0038 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1938 | |
| 1245 TRANSLATION ET.7.II.38. Paris, 2nd November 1938. W. SLEATOR Esq., Messrs. Franco-Britannic Autos Ltd. 12, Avenue George V, P A R I S VIII. Dear Mr. Sleator, Allow me to thank you for giving me an opportunity to try out the new 4 1/4 litre, and also for your very great kindness in getting me a special one day insurance for the day of the trial run. I give you below, quite frankly, my considered opinion by comparison with my own car. I notice that the chassis has more ground clearance than mine, and this, at first sight, appears to be an advantage as it makes the car easier to handle on country roads. My impression is, however, that she does not hold the road or "grip" quite so well as mine, though I must admit that we were five in the car, and so much weight at the rear may perhaps be responsible. To sum up: road holding good, but not quite so good as with my car. The heavy load behind in the case of the new 4 1/4 Litre must, however, be taken into account. The steering is very pleasant, but in my opinion, a trifle light. The brakes are outstandingly good: very soft, progressive and powerful. Unpleasant fumes from oil or, more likely, partially burnt petrol cause great inconvenience not only when travelling, but particularly when the car is stationary. Either the exhaust joints or Vanvooren's floor board joints require attention. Now, as regards the engine performance, I must confess to considerable disappointment. The overgeared 4th speed would be excellent with a more efficient engine than the present 4 1/4 litre, but such is not the case with the engine of the car I tested. All that has been done is to alter the gear box ratios, without increasing the engine power, with the result that maximum speed in top is reached at 3500 r.p.m. | ||