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).
Letter discussing test results and impressions of a 20/25 HP car with a high compression cylinder head.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan196 | |
| Date | 29th December 1934 | |
| PARIS 29.12.34 Dear "Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}" No doubt Hancock gave you all the necessary information concerning the 20/25 HP - Poberejesky, fitted with the high compression cylinder head. From the tests made, it would appear that there is little improvement - although improvement there is. The reason for this latter statement is that the customer has taken the car - in any case to try it out over several days. His impression, which is also my own, is that there is an improvement at about 40 kms per hour. The improvement, however, is not what I was expecting it to be. On the other hand, this chassis seems to be particularly bad, generally speaking, and I would, therefore, not like the fact of the fitting of this cylinder head not having brought about the improvement we expected on the above car, to prevent our having it fitted on our new 20/25 HP Demonstration Car, and no doubt if we could advance the ignition a point or two, we should get a still better performance, and this is quite possible on a demonstration car which we handle ourselves. In a letter I received from Dunwoody, he asks me when you are coming back to St Louis, and adds that you are a "100% fellow". He has also requested me to tell you that he has found a firm capable of manufacturing valve springs for high-class cars!!! I hope you had a pleasant time for Christmas. As to myself, I was over in London with my wife for a few days. Our friend E.R.Hall very kindly invited us down to their place, for a day or two, but I was unable get away, being booked up with my family. With kind regards, and every good wish for your-self and yours for 1935, Yours sincerely, W.A.Clarke. | ||