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).
Reviewing the results of a 10,000-mile vehicle test, focusing on performance, steering, and axle quietness.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 101\4\ scan0084 | |
| Date | 3rd September 1935 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}E. C.Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} X500a re 21-G-IV, 10,000 Miles Test. I have just been reading the reports covering the period from the 10th to the 27th August, Total distance 4030 miles. It will be remembered that the three main items for which this car was sent on test were: 1. Smaller wheels to improve performance. 2. RR.Marles steering to improve our 20/25 steering. 3. Hypoid rear axle to enable us to have quiet axles without the expense now incurred in endeavouring to quieten the present type. It also had certain other points of lesser importance as detailed in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/ETM30.7.35. I tried the car before it went to France and you will remember I reported unfavourably in Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}10/E10.7.35 regarding the performance. As the result of that test I should take a lot of persuading that we ought to fit the smaller wheels. The reports indicate bad periods at various speeds which do not occur on my 20/25. In regard to the steering the reports indicate bad joggles and road shocks, which of course are one of our old troubles which we were trying to get away from and, in reducing them on the standard steering, had arrived at a point where it was becoming impossibly stiff. Rear Axle - I am sorry to see that, although reported as good to start with, the later reports indicate: Not up to standard for quietness and a period at 30 mph., which of course is a critical speed in view of the 30 mph. speed limits; not good standard for quietness etc. In view of the above one wonders whether it is worth incurring further expense by running this car in France as it is quite obvious that in their present condition we should be unwilling to standardise any of the items and the whole purpose of a test is to enable us to improve our product. If, therefore, it is felt that the test | ||