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).
Secret internal memorandum detailing the initial impressions and performance of a 20 HP Allweather car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\2\ 02-page278 | |
| Date | 26th June 1929 | |
| X5820 SECRET. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} RV. } R4/M26.6.29. x5000 x5820 c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Pn.{Mr Northey} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} 20 HP. ALLWEATHER - 16-G4. This car has the present crankshamber, but a new head and the 3.25" block and pistons, the body being a close coupled 4 or 5 seater that can easily be opened. The weight is about 32 cwts. and the behaviour of this car on the road is far and away better than any other 20 HP. that we have produced. It seems as superior to the one GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} has in France as that car is to the present standard. We should be glad if a little later on, when it is safe to send it to London, Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, C., and Pn.{Mr Northey} will be able to try it. A few things are particularly noticeable :- (1) The radiator appears quite steady, although it is on a 3" longer frame, proving that the 3" of extra length (as anticipated) has nothing whatever to do with the radiator unsteadiness. (2) All the features, including the exhaust, appear to be very silent. (3) The acceleration and top speed are remarkably good, as well as the steering and riding qualities. After some little experience I shall be able to speak with more confidence. My first impressions are extremely pleasing, and although we cannot account for it, it is quite different to the other close coupled 20 HP - 12-G4. - which was sent back to Derby. We can only think it is due to the difference in the body or body mounting. This is the chassis originally proposed for India, and abandoned for Works and Sales convenience. Japan is the same with further new parts but probably very little difference in performance. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||