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).
The 10,000 miles test in France for chassis No 22 EX 'C' type.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\2January1929-June1929\ Scan232 | |
| Date | 2nd May 1929 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From G.W.H. Hotel de France Chateauroux Indre 2/5/29 S.S. CHASSIS NO 22 EX "C" TYPE FITTED WITH A HOOPER CLOSED LANDAULETTE BODY 10,000 MILES TEST IN FRANCE General remarks on the running of the car during the 10,000 miles. The springing of the car during the first part of the test was too light being insufficiently damped, which caused violent bumping at the rear. The steering consequently was at times unstable. The riding qualities were improved after altering the shock damper loading at the rear. The "K.S." telegauge was unreliable after the first days run and very quickly was of no use. The fault was the failure of the cement joint at the top of the glass tube. The front brakes became too feirce during the test and made braking at medium and high speeds dangerous, the steering taking charge. The starter motor failed to function intermittantly after the first five days run and failed altogether after ten days run. Steering very quickly became hard and after five days running almost siezed up on the ball ends of the cross steering tube, drastic alteration to the amount of oil supplied to these proved sucessfull during the remainder of the test. The propellor shaft caused bad periods through loss of oil in the mechanics joints, which gave considerable trouble until it was possible to make the joints oil tight. The periods still remain to some extent and can be felt through the rear floor boards. Head lamps. These gave considerable trouble right from the start. The dimming arrangement by use of two filaments is not so good as a central spot lamp, also these blubs were unreliable. One night journey four bulbs gave out due to the filaments braking, the remainder of the journey being completed with one dimmed head lamp. The general running of the car is noisier and has not the qualities of smooth gliding as previous Phantoms. The impression is harsh dry ball races. The engine roughness at speeds over sixty miles per hour and has not been what one would desire. S.S. UNIT ENGINE NO 15. The performance and power of the engine has been very good throughout the milage. | ||