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).
Test report detailing faults found on a 25/30 HP car during a hot day trip to the Pic du Midi.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0111 | |
| Date | 26th August 1937 | |
| CHATEAUROUX. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}/3/JAB.26th.8.37. To. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} All testers, please note Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 26.G.VI.- 25/30 HP. We took advantage of a hot day for a rush visit to the Pic du Midi. It is necessary to stop three miles from the top as the road is controlled from there on and a toll is imposed. On getting away again, the car proceeded about 20 yards and then failed completely due to the A.C. pump being unable to deal with the vapour. There was no freak testing of any kind, and we were doing exactly what every other tourist on the hill was having to do. It was only by changing the pipes over to the S.U. dash pump that we could get away at all and this was not giving a full delivery. A Ford V.8 was unable to proceed further owing to the same trouble with its A.C.pump. Dixon is sending a full report. We feel very strongly that the benefits which have accrued from the developement of the high pressure pump should be included in the 25/30 specification as well as the Phantom. The faults noted during the trip were as follows. I) Speedometer trip impossible to read in the dark. 2) Rear tyres rub against second body mounting brackets on corners. 3) Slight oil escape from drain on N.S.R. carrier plate. 4) Loss of brake clearance during initial cooling after prolonged use, so that the hand brake, which works the same shoes as the foot brake, will only just pull to first notch. If the car is left on a gradient, it runs away as soon as the shoes cool off. ITEM✓ 5) Wear has taken place where the servo scissors come back against the stop. This is a place where clicks on release occur and rubber is required. We would refer you to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}/3/JAB.8.7.37, dealing with this noise on release on 32-EX. 6) Gears becoming somewhat noisy on drive. Frequently sticks in top gear. Synchromesh becoming less effective every day. -------- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Frank Waller. | ||