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 drive feedback on an Open Touring 40/50 HP car, focusing on engine and exhaust noises.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\4\ scan0237 | |
| Date | 20th October 1924 | |
| To C.J. from B.J. Re: 11-AU - Open Touring 40/50 H.P. fitted with F.W.B's. I attach a copy of PHR/DMS.18.10.24. I quite agree with what is said there. PH. sent the car for me to try at Gerrard's Cross on Saturday. My impressions were as follows:- (1) At certain engine speeds the exhaust makes a loud and peculiar whistle, very noticeable when the car is standing. This, of course, can be avoided by avoiding those engine speeds but it should not be there. (2) When starting from standing, when picking up at low speeds, when ascending a hill from low speeds, there is a very objectionable tinny metallic noise that one connects with cheap cars. It can easily be heard in the driving seat or in the back seat. The car quite ceases to be a Rolls-Royce with this noise. (3) Above 25 miles an hour it is not noticeable. (4) I should judge it would be impossible for the most skilful driver to demonstrate this car without the customer noticing the noise, which spoils the whole beauty of the car. (5) The car has been back to the Works on account of lack of power. It now has ample power, but gives one more the impression of one of the high compression engines; it is rough, inclined to be noisy, - distinctly noisier than 107-MG (our present Demonstration Car) except when standing. R.{Sir Henry Royce} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} have been advised about a week ago of the objectionable noise of the exhaust and the necessity of overcoming it as quickly as possible. I would suggest in the meantime that we do not deliver any chassis which would have open bodies with the present exhaust system. The chassis could, if necessary, go to the coachbuilders on the understanding that a new exhaust would be fitted before delivery to the customer. This will stop chassis going to overseas | ||