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).
And comparing the acceleration performance figures of a Lagonda against another vehicle, likely a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0092 | |
| Date | 3rd May 1940 | |
| COPY. TO Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}2/KN.{D. G. McKechnie - Sales}3.5.40. LAGONDA. I return herewith the papers about the Lagonda. The comparisons are of course very interesting, but in order that one can appreciate the comparison of performance test, I think it would be as well to place on record whether the acceleration figures quoted are those obtained on top gear, which is the case of 11.B.V. presumably means overdrive, or whether they were obtained by use of the gearbox. The reason I raise this point is because it does seem rather surprising that the acceleration of 11.B.V. with an axle ratio 3.73 - 1, is so much better than the Lagonda with an axle ratio of 4.73 - 1. It seems to me almost impossible that with such a high ratio one could expect the acceleration to be even as good as the Lagonda, much less so superior as the figures indicate. Thus, it leaves me in doubt as to how the figures were obtained, and reference to these reports 6 months hence might be simplified if it was made clear how the figures were obtained. If, as I assume, they were obtained on top gear, then they would probably be even more astounding if the gears were used instead of only top. I appreciate, of course, the benefits derived :- (a) from the lighter weight of the Bentley, and (b) from the smaller wheels. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Att: Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/ML.25.4.40. with enclosures. | ||