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).
Trial run report on the 31 G.X. 'Continental' model by Mr. Pierre-Delage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan152 | |
| Date | 8th December 1931 | |
| 8th December 1931. REPORT OF TRIAL RUN ON 31 G.X. ROLLS ROYCE "CONTINENTAL" by Mr. Pierre-DELAGE. -&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&-&- This car has without doubt the greatest qualities of any which we have yet met. There is no comparison between the Continental model and the other models of ROLLS ROYCE manufacture which we have tried to this day. The engine is perfectly quiet at the maximum speed obtainable, except between the speeds of 54 and 57 miles per hour when it gives off a slight vibration which appears to emanate from the gear box. This noise is amplified by the change speed lever and its gate, the vibration being clearly noticed on the lever. This noise in fact increased from the commencement of the run till the end and I should not be surprised if it is not a question of attention needed to the engine dampers. The noise is amplified through the gear box but does not emanate from the gear box itself. This is the only point to be criticised. The clutch is perfect. The gear box is silent. The sound when on third gear acceleration is perhaps more acute, but in reality at the speed at which I made my run, the third speed was rarely used. The take off was made on thrid gear and as soon as the car was on the move I went into top gear. The rear axle is most silent. Steering is exceedingly soft and on the looks it is self-centering and keeps on the straight. On second class roads, between 50/60 miles per hour, it is noticed that the steering vibrates, but these reactions are feeble and perfectly damped - without exception no matter the condition of the road no steering shock were experienced. ****1499 | ||