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 providing feedback and criticism following a trial run of the new 3 1/2 litre car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\1\ scan0002 | |
| Date | 4th October 1933 | |
| COPY 20, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C.3. 4th October, 1933. Dear Major Cox, Many thanks for your kind letter of the 2nd inst. As a matter of fact, I had already arranged, through the courtesy of Messrs. George Newman & Co., to have a trial run on the new 3 1/2 litre car and this duly took place last night. It was suggested that I should let you have my comments, which I am accordingly proceeding to do. Let me say straight away that it is quite the most delightful car that I have ever handled. You have at last produced a car of just the right size and performance to suit the sporting owner-driver in this country - far handier in traffic and on narrow roads than any big car could ever be, yet equally luxurious in every respect. The springing I consider perhaps the most remarkable achievement - it proves that even a very light weight need be no bar to extreme comfort if the springing is really well thought out. The braking, steering and performance of the gearbox are all above reproach. The only small criticisms I have to make refer to points of which I am sure you are well aware and are already hastening to correct. These are that although the second gear is most commendably silent and easy to engage, it is a great pity that it should not also have the synchromesh engagement, especially in view of the relatively high ratio of third speed (of which incidentally, I thoroughly approve) which will make the sporting driver wish to change down frequently at any speed up to 40 miles an hour whenever he wants the maximum acceleration. I am sure you will agree with me on this point. Further the carburation and/or distribution at very low speeds is not quite what it might be, especially after slowing down rapidly, which robs the get-away of some smoothness for the same reason a little car is required to move away from rest without a trace of hesitation and jerkiness. | ||