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).
Car's disappointing performance, the potential fitting of 17' wheels, and plans for comparative testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 101\4\ scan0055 | |
| Date | 10th July 1935 | |
| x500a S/W To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re 21-G-IV. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}10/E10.7.35 Copy to Wcr. Thanks for Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}17/KW.8.7.35. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and I tried the car. I assume that, as it was sent down for us to try, it was in what you consider to be satisfactory running order. We were very disappointed with the performance. It was only with difficulty that it would reach 65 and required a very long run on the bypass road to attain 70. If this is the result of fitting 17" wheels, I do not think we are likely to approve them. If the result of the test in Paris is otherwise satisfactory so far as parts standing up etc. are concerned, I shall want to make another comparative test, when it comes back, with a standard 20/25 - (both being brought to the same weights) in order to see exactly what benefits are obtained to set off against the disadvantage of the increased engine noise owing to the lower gear. With regard to the steering we thought this to be reasonably good and am improvement on our recent standard. I understand the car has gone to Lucas' for hydraulic jacks to be fitted and presume it is only a matter of a few days before it goes to France. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||