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 general running and road testing of a car, detailing handling, performance, and component feedback.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\4\ B001_X 100a-page051 | |
| Date | 21th November 1932 | |
| -3- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}Hc/Wa.{Mr Wallis} 21.11.32. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} General Running of the Car. We drive the car about 500 miles over all sorts of roads. It is a delight to handle. With the shock absorbers set at 90 lbs. its road holding at speed is very good, and its cornering, in spite of the low rating springs, is excellent. Personally we found no fault with the selectivity of the steering though C.S.M. was not altogether satisfied. We think it is unreasonable to compare this small car with the Phantom and expect similar results. It is certainly infinitely more stable directionally than the Alfa Romeo which we had at the Works. For parking it is commendably light and almost entirely free from road shocks. Probably an increase of 30% in the side steering tube spring rating, and a greater pivot lean would produce better high speed control and will be tried. There is a slight cross steering tube foul on the oil pump. The suspension is very good except at low speeds over pavé where it is too hard. It is, however a good compromise for continental conditions. The car appears to have more margin on water cooling than any we have previously turned out. The engine stands up to the thrashing it gets very well, even with the flexible skirt pistons however it seizes on the tight side. We shall try greater clearance. The oil temperature may have a bearing on it. The maximum speed of the car is about 67-68 M.P.H. in still air and 74 M.P.H. can be obtained under favourable conditions. Undoubtedly the latest camshaft will improve the top speed slightly. The clutch takes up smoothly and does not show any signs of slipping except when accelerating violently on second speed. We could detect no signs of propeller shaft periods. The Lodge 14 m.m. plugs seem satisfactory for continental conditions being on the verge of pre-ignition with FUN with a lean mixture. The A.C.G9's are not hot enough for this unit and pre-ignite after a few miles all out. The erratic carburation has caused some sooting up. Returning to Paris we covered 100 miles in two hours. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||