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 on vehicle performance, detailing issues with the carburettor, road noise, prop shaft, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\3\ scan0222 | |
| Date | 14th July 1939 | |
| -2- (4) It was noticed that in warm climates the automatic carburettor does not cut in when the car stands out all night, so causing slight more difficulty in starting off the mark. (5) The road noises show up worse than standard, the body is mounted solid on the chassis and also solid on the cross. tests are to be carried out with the body isolated from the cross to see if this improves noise. (6) Prop. shaft vibration is the worst feature and tests are to be made with a new alignment of the axle. The engine slow running was not particularly good but otherwise gave no trouble, the ignition setting is good for sinking only a small adjustment being required to compensate for poor grade of fuel. The clutch gave no trouble and was smooth in action. Brakes. Were excellent and showed no signs of failing efficiency when used on mountain roads. Gearbox Gave no trouble, and for this type of sports car the ratios appeared well chosen. Standard of silence good. Rear axle Gave no trouble and was very quiet throughout. Suspension Ride on the various types of road encountered was exceptionally good, the rear seat ride being equally as good as the front. Prop. shaft. Was the worst feature on the car, cause being mal-alignment. Steering. This was good for absence of road shocks, and keeping straight on the autostrada, but the geometry is not right yet, for on the main roads the car lacks directional stability. Column shake was very bad. The best compromise for steering was found with tyre pressures set to 27 lbs. front and 40 lbs. rear both hot. | ||