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 on Chassis 1.E.X. after a 1000-mile run, focusing on springing and handling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 80\2\ scan0022 | |
| Date | 28th July 1919 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to BJ. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to EH. C O P Y. X.2628 Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}5/W28.7.19. REPORT ON RUNNING CHASSIS 1.E.X. X.2565 I ran this car during my holiday for just over 1000 miles (1010 miles) and feel sure that you will find it to be a considerable improvement, particularly as regards springing, over the pre-war chassis. I had no mechanical troubles, and the only failure was the condenser for battery ignition. SPRINGING. The car was loaded with about the equivalent of four eleven stone passengers, and it is certainly the best car that I have ever driven for holding a bad road at high speeds with the minimum of discomfort and anxiety. The rating of these springs appears to be just about right for this load. I touched the buffers on the rear axle about six times in all, but I do not think it is desirable to attempt to avoid this entirely; bumping, to this extent, is not to my mind objectionable, and only records unusually severe irregularities in the road, which should not, I think, be catered for in any manner other than by a rubber buffer. My impression is that the shock absorbers, which were fitted to give the original degree of loading, can be increased as regards the degree of damping provided, but even in this state they are very good and beneficial. The connecting links for these shock absorbers foul the frame at their top ends. I do not think this fouling can be avoided under the present arrangements, as they are sandwiched between the springs and the frame side member; the spring end, controlled by the back axle, is thrown about a good deal sideways, Contd. | ||