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).
Log book entry detailing criticisms of a Buick car's performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\3\ scan0081 | |
| Date | 20th February 1939 | |
| 1049 To Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} (LOG BOOK). Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/MH.{M. Huckerby}20.2.39. BUICK. The best features of this car are the engine smoothness and the acceleration. As to criticisms (1) Engine - Tappets are sometimes very audible. Cold starting bad unless throttle is given several kicks. Is the engine oil of correct viscosity ? (2) Gearbox - Surprising amount of chunking in top gear when hot. Gear lever is too near steering wheel and trafficator switch thereon very badly placed. It is always getting moved by accident. Gear noise good enough. (3) Ride - Good at low speeds and better with more people in the car. On wavy roads such as Ashbourne-Buxton the ride is dreadful. Front periodicity far less than rear. (4) Steering - There is considerable friction in the steering, (possibly the pivots need lubrication). It is heavier than most Americans for shunting. Directional stability on Buxton road is on a par with the ride. Seems like bad geometry as car understeers very noticeably. A very nice steering wheel. (5) Noises - Noise running over gravel roads is very pronounced. Impact noise such as when going over a kerb better than B.V. (6) Brakes - Pull square but are not equal to the performance on English roads. | ||