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 comparing performance tests against a Lagonda vehicle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0095 | |
| Date | 7th May 1940 | |
| SECRET. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} re The Lagonda. We have considered Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}2/KW.5.5.40. with Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Whyman, who carried out the tests in question. The Kegworth Bye-pass was used for side by side tests and the Shardlow Straight Mile for clocking tests. Performance figures are by the clock, and the Lagonda speedometer was corrected to that of 11.B.V. which was accurate. All tests quoted were made on top (direct) gear only, an average of 3 runs each way being taken, using Pool Spirit. Because, at first sight of the relatively inferior performance of the Lagonda, its tests were repeated subsequently with Ethyl Spirit, enabling the ignition to be advanced a further 8° on the flywheel for the same degree of detonation. The performance was improved by 2 secs. from 20 - 80 m.p.h. As well as side by side tests in direct gear, the same tests were made from a standing start using the gears. The Comet (11.B.V.) "walked away", it is reported. With respect to paragraph "2" of Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}'s. memo. although the axle ratios of 11.B.V. and the Lagonda are 3.73 - 1 and 4.73 - 1 resp. (Lagonda 27% lower) the engine revs. per mile are respectively 2740 and 3180 (Lagonda 16% lower) This is due to the larger tyres and wheels of the Lagonda. Although the 11.B.V. and Lagonda are rated at 39.4 H.P. and 42.0 H.P. resp: the engine capacities are 5.6 litres and 4.48 litres resp: (11.B.V. is 25% up) Dn addition to the above 11.B.V. gains by being 357 lbs. lighter. The remaining difference is to be found in characteristics of the two engines. Our 8 cyl. engine has a better M.E.P. than the Lagonda over the lower range. | ||