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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).
Road test report for the 'SPECTRE' model, detailing performance, handling, and vibration issues.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 4\1\  01-page259
Date  12th February 1935
  
GRY{Shadwell Grylls} X300

To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
from Mr.

SPECTRECodename for Phantom III.

I ran this car this afternoon for about 3 hours trying it over our test roads and along the Holyhead Road via. the Royal Red Gate Inn.

I think it shows promise of making a very good motorcar, but there are a number of items that are unsatisfactory.

It puts up an excellent performance for acceleration, hill climbing and speed.

It has very good stability and road holding qualities.

Steering is very good indeed.

The steadiness of the front end of car and absence of "jellying" is very pleasing.

The features against it are -

The very bad effect of small culvert bridges when riding in the back of the car. I am sure that anyone experiencing the effect when crossing one of these bridges at quite a reasonable speed, say 25 to 30 miles an hour, would not care to repeat the experience.

There is a very marked side vibration of small amplitude which is felt in the back of the car even when on ordinary roads.

The rear axle "jazzes" about on medium and poor road surfaces, in this respect it compares unfavourably with Phantom II.

There are quite noticeable boom periods on 25 m.p.h. and upwards.

Whilst not noticeable to passengers, there is considerable vibration transmitted to the driver via the clutch pedal.

contd-
  
  


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