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).
Vehicle test report detailing performance issues such as vibration, braking, and control layout.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\5\ 05-page088 | |
| Date | 1st August 1920 guessed | |
| contd :- -3- The engine mounting is 3-point with rubber rear mounting, the front mounting being similar to ours in effect. There is a bad vibration on top gear at 50 m.p.h. upwards, this is not present at the equivalent engine speed on the lower gears so is not an engine vibration, possibly cardan shaft. The carburation is good, but probably strong, the petrol consumption averages 18 m.p.g. on a long run. A General Motors employee states that a consumption of 24 m.p.g. can be obtained by adjusting the carb. at the expense of acceleration and power. Detonations occur at very low speeds. The clutch (dry multi plate) is good in action; the pedal pressure required to operate is almost too light, slipping will possibly occur if the foot is rested on it. The accelerator pedal is badly placed between the brake and clutch pedals. The very low top gear gives the impression of a fussy engine. The brakes (external contracting) are very spongy and affect the steering; they are rather too good at low speeds and insufficient at high speeds. The hand brake is useless except as a parking brake. Generally the car is very good when the price is taken into consideration. Of course the car we tried had done relatively small mileage (3000) possibly it would have a very different performance after 10,000 miles. Whilst the power and acceleration are good one would not feel very comfortable driving fast for a long journey; the deficiencies in the steering, brakes, and awkwardly placed controls would very soon become painfully apparent. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/A.J.Lidsey. | ||