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).
Vehicle testing in France, including towing restrictions, test locations, and the performance of roll-rods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 131\4\ scan0062 | |
| Date | 20th February 1937 | |
| 11/3. [Handwritten Initials: EFH, STP, AHM, and others] HOTEL DE FRANCE. CHATEAUROUX. Indre. France. 20th February 1937. To. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} told me on the phone that 3.B.IV. was ready and waiting to come out to France, and that it would be sent this week-end to Boulogne for me to meet it. Not having heard anything further, I concluded that the car would not be coming out. We shall not allow Steadman to come to Châteauroux to tow cars about on the roads around here. The question of testing came up in the recent Court case, and we had to swear our lives away that it was not done. To start towing cars is asking for trouble and I am of the opinion that the Administration would not allow it were it known. In the event of Steadman bringing 3.B.IV. out, the tests he requires can be carried out on the Montlhéry Track. There is no need to bring the car to Châteauroux, 6.B.IV. is in Paris and will not be finished until Tuesday night. The delay being due to no work on Saturdays and Sundays by the Frenchmen. Therefore, Steadman can stay at Levallois and run to Montlhéry from there. Sr. is to have 3.B.IV. afterwards. With regard to 35-EX., Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} asked me on the phone whether, if I had to choose between the two roll-rods, which should I prefer. I replied I wanted both, but if it was a case of only one being used I should choose the rear, for the reason that it is of vital necessity to keep the rear axle on the road, both for cornering and braking. Without the roll-rod, the steering is affected, maximum braking cannot be used with safety, the car skids more frequently, jazzes cornering. It follows out exactly as to what we found with the Cadillac. With regard to what extent the Wraith wheel-movement has to steering steadiness without the front roll-bar, we are not in a position to state, not having tried the car without the roll-bar fitted. This I presume was tested while the car was at the Works and the results you should be aware of. We have been instructed to get along with mileage as far as is possible and until that is accomplished, no experimental tests will be made. The information whether we are happy or not without the front roll-bar can be given at a later date. We however prefer the two roll-rods. [Signature] Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} | ||