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 performance and issues report covering speed, engine, drivetrain, steering, and bodywork.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\4\ scan0133 | |
| Date | 11th July 1939 | |
| -5- PERFORMANCE (Cont'd). still air on the level was 91 m.p.h., the maximum speed 98 m.p.h. It was possible to average 85 m.p.h. for over 100 miles on the Autostrada. At no time did the power plant show any signs of distress. The tappets are not yet quiet enough. PROPELLER SHAFT. The propeller shaft period, though not very obtrusive, still needs further improvement. CLUTCH. The clutch throughout the mileage behaved in a satisfactory manner. ROAD SHOCKS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. There were no noticeable tangential shocks on the road wheels, but the column, on the whole, moved too much on bad roads. We believe that this is partly the same trouble as that experienced on the Coupe, i.e., the scuttle it not sufficiently rigid. We are in the process of proving this point at Derby. FUMES IN THE BODY. After very prolonged high speed work, a slight smell of oil was noticeable in the car. We believe that this can be removed by improving the breathing of the engine crankcase. EXHAUST SYSTEM. The exhaust system is not quite silent enough for a Rolls-Royce car. Development work is proceeding at Derby to improve this item. BODY. The enclosed luggage accommodation in the body was very acceptable for a Limousine. The boot was not dust proof. This is exceedingly irritating on the Dolomite roads where at the higher altitudes tarmac is not used. The single chain operating the windscreen is not equal to the task of coping with the wind pressure at speeds above 90 m.p.h., and, at the same time taking the vibration which occurs on bad roads. The felt which surrounds the windscreen invariably blows out of position when the car is | ||