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 from Mr. Geoffrey Smith detailing a road trip and providing feedback on chassis performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan320 | |
| Date | 15th August 1930 | |
| COPY OF LETTER FROM MR. GEOFFREY SMITH. Iliffe & Sons, Ltd. Dorset House, Tudor Street, E.C. 4. GS/DFT. 15th August, 1930. PRIVATE. W. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Cowen, Esq., Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., 14-15, Conduit St.{Capt. P. R. Strong}, W. 1. Dear Mr. Cowen, I am pleased to tell you that I had a most interesting and enjoyable trip on the Continent, covering over 2000 miles and embracing most of the noted Alpine passes. My "25" behaved magnificently save for water boiling, which perhaps is excusable on the higher cols. I never previously appreciated so much the excellence of the steering, the large lock provided and the splendid springing, in short my high opinion of the Rolls-Royce has been enhanced by this strenuous trip. My photographs have turned out excellently and you shall see a complete set when our selection is complete. Thinking that you might like a report of the behaviour of the chassis in view of the long and severe nature of the tour, I have taken the liberty of appending a few general observations based upon my experiences:- 1st day:- Squeak under engine was traced to a broken clip connecting exhaust pipe to frame. A rattle was traced to the ring screw for the dynamo drive working loose - the second experience of this kind. 3rd day:- Slight tap through floor boards for 5 minutes or so - untraceable - it has returned once since for brief period and departed entirely. 5th day:- Descending a steep col to St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Jean de Maurienne the near side rear brake ran hot and commenced binding. Cooled for an hour and slackened off adjustment - all well thereafter but later the brakes when applied commenced to emit a dull squeak. I need hardly observe here that good Continental cars have massive brake drums ribbed specially for cooling. 9th day:- Grumbling noise under bonnet suggested something | ||