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).
Car's post-run performance, detailing issues with the rear springs, maximum speed, and a request for special oil.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page007 | |
| Date | 17th December 1928 | |
| COPY. X7941 q GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}3/RJ 17.12.28. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Derby. We sent you a telegram this morning stating our arrival here. We had no difficulties at Le Harve or Southampton. The car ran very well on its run here. We think the steering will be very good when the jellying of the front of the car is overcome, as there is no distinct sign of any wobble and no severe joggles. You will remember that whilst trying the car at Derby, we thought that the rear shock absorbers were fouling when the car went over a bump. We find that it is not the shock absorbers, but the second tie band on the front end of the rear springs fouling the subframe. We experienced this twice on our run over here, and on examination we found the subframe at this particular point to be bent. The sketch enclosed will show you the position. The maximum speed of the car seems to be very poor. We could not get more than 75 miles per hour with the cutout closed and only 80 miles per hour with the cutout open. We had distinct signs of pre ignition - this may be the cause of the slow speed as there was no sign of valve bounce and no particular head wind. At 70 miles per hour the car rides fine. There is no sign of the front jellying and the steering is perfect. On the run down here we obtained a consumption of 9.3 miles/gall. Would you please make a point that when the 20 HP. car is coming out, to bring us a tin of special oil for the rear axle, as this has been forgotten. We did not start the mileage until this afternoon as our arrival here was late, and several things needed attention. Our daily reports will follow in due course. G.W.Hancock. | ||