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 run report for car 35-EX detailing performance issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 123\4\ scan0264 | |
| Date | 3rd July 1936 | |
| LLSmith X1042 To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.1/HP.3.7.36. c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} 33 re 35-EX. 33 Re run on 35-EX last week-end, I have already given you verbally most of the results. The clutch behaved in an exemplary manner except when reversing, when the car invariably joggled very badly. This latter effect may not of course be the fault of the clutch at all, but it is difficult to understand why it happens with a Hotchkiss controlled back axle. Do we get the same effect on other Phantoms, that is, bad on reverse when good forward.? It may be some pumping action affecting the clutch engagement. The clutch frees itself quite well cold, but is not so good hot. The pedal pressure is certainly excessive for London work. The distance run was 315 miles including visiting Hendon, which meant plenty of work for the clutch. Petrol consumption 8.75 miles per gallon. The engine unevenness experienced the week before has almost entirely disappeared, but at low speeds when engaging clutch there is still some left and care is needed to avoid stopping the engine. The engine is rough from 57 to 59 miles per hour upward. The slow running of the engine is not very dependable, and the throttle has to be opened up a notch or two. The damping of the car suspension is insufficient and spoils the ride by producing seasick feeling on sensitive passengers that we had got rid of with Phantom. The headlamps which had been all right on the run down to London failed to operate for some reason on the morning when the car was returned, although the dipping mechanism operated. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||